New Zealand Labour lines up Chris Hipkins to replace Jacinda Ardern

Chris Hipkins is set to become New Zealand’s next prime minister after being named as the Labour party’s sole nominee to replace outgoing leader Jacinda Ardern.

Hipkins, the country’s education minister, had been regarded as a possible successor to Ardern, who announced this week she would step down as prime minister by February, ending her almost five-year term as leader.