New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Monday announced that he was resigning after eight years as a leader.
Key, who had been expected to contest general election next year, said that he wanted to leave while on top of his game.
Key said he had made sacrifice personal sacrifice for the job and it had taken a toll on his family life.
“For my wife Bronagh, there have been many nights and weekends spent alone,” he said. “My daughter Stephie and my son Max have transitioned from teenagers to young adults while coping with an extraordinary level of intrusion and pressure because of their father’s job.”
Key said that his national party caucus would meet Dec 12 to decide on a new party leader and prime minister. He was expected to submit his resignation Governor-General that same day.
Key’s deputy Bill English was more likely to take over as the new president.
Key was first elected to the Parliament in 2002. He won his first general election and became prime minister in 2008.
In 2011 and 2014, he won the elections subsequently.
Key said that leading the country through the 2008 economic crisis was his proud accomplishment.
