Chris Hipkins confirmed as New Zealand leader

Chris Hipkins the education minister, has been confirmed as New Zealand‍‍`s next prime minister and he chose Carmel Sepuloni as his deputy.

Hipkins, 44, got the unanimous support of lawmakers from his Labour Party. He was the only candidate to enter the contest to replace Jacinda Ardern.

Hipkins will officially sworn in to his new role on Wednesday. He will have less than nine months before contesting a tough general election, with opinion polls indicating his party is trailing its conservative opposition.

“It’s a big day for a boy from the Hutt,” Hipkins said, referring to the Hutt Valley near Wellington where he grew up. “I’m really humbled and really proud to be taking this on. It is the biggest responsibility and the biggest privilege of my life.”

Hipkins will have only a little more than eight months in the role before contesting a general election.

Hipkins played a significant role in New Zealand‍‍`s response to the Covid-19 pandemic as he took on crisis management role.