The battle of the Chris鈥 begins today, with National Party leader Christopher Luxon speaking about his newly revealed rival for the nation鈥檚 top job - incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Hipkins emerged as Labour鈥檚 sole contender - and therefore presumptive new Prime Minister - this morning following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern鈥檚 shock announcement she will resign before February 7.
Luxon, in Hamilton for the Sevens, congratulated Hipkins on his elevation to leader of the Labour Party 鈥渁nd therefore Prime Minister鈥.
He wished Hipkins well, but a change in leader didn鈥檛 change anything for New Zealanders, Luxon said.
鈥淐hris Hipkins has been part of a Government that has spectacularly failed to get anything done, and what New Zealanders need is a National Government that will get things done.
鈥淎nd that means a Government that鈥檚 going to be focused on them and single-mindedly focused on reducing the cost of living, making sure we can raise incomes for all, that we can restore law and order, and that we can deliver better health and education.鈥
A major part of that would be tackling the high cost of living, including 鈥渉igh stubborn levels of food prices鈥, and rising rents and interest rates鈥, he said.
鈥漀ew Zealanders are going through a power of pain and they want a National Government to come in and manage the economy聽 to reduce that cost of living, raise their income and deliver better public services, and restore law and order.鈥
Before Hipkins鈥 rise today, Luxon said on Thursday that Ardern stepping down meant 鈥渃hanges in terms of the election鈥.
He only found out at the time of the announcement, texting her later to thank her for her public service, in particular, her leadership after the Christchurch terror attack and on the world stage.
- Chris Hipkins to become New Zealand鈥檚 next Prime Minister - Carmel Sepuloni set to be deputy PM
- Grant Robertson congratulates 鈥榤y mate Chippy鈥, Hipkins鈥 dad has 鈥榤ixed feelings鈥 about son鈥檚 new job
- Hipkins 'humbled and honoured' to take over role of PM
More to come.
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