Chris Hipkins to be NZ PM; Carmel Sepuloni deputy

Chris Hipkins and Carmel Sepuloni leave the caucus room together. Photo: Bruce Mackay/Stuff

Carmel Sepuloni is to become the first Pacific deputy prime minister, while Chris Hipkins has been confirmed as the incoming prime minister of New Zealand and Labour party leader.

Kelvin Davis will remain as deputy Labour leader, giving a thumbs up to reporters when asked.

Labour voted on the new leadership team Sunday afternoon, in a meeting with singing, clapping and loud laughing. Chris Hipkins arrived with Jacinda Ardern, and left with Carmel Sepuloni.

When asked about themselves as a leadership team, Hipkins said it sounded "pretty good" and he was taking a few moments to digest, before holding a press conference at 3pm.

He said "at least I'm wearing a suit this time and not a tracksuit".

Sepuloni said she was feeling humbled.

Fellow MP Jenny Salesa wrote on Twitter, 'Congratulations, well done and really proud our Pacific deputy prime minister, my friend and Tongan sister Hon Carmel Sepuloni”.

Northcote MP Shanan Halbert tweeted, 'A formidable team with our leader Chris Hipkins, with Carmel Sepuloni as Deputy PM and Kelvin Davis Deputy Leader”.

Anna Whyte/Stuff

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.