New Zealand's ruling Labor Party elected Chris Hipkins as the country's 41st prime minister

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New Zealand's ruling Labor Party on 22 January elected Chris Hipkins as its leader and the country's 41st prime minister, replacing Ms Jacinda Ardern.

An overview of the news

• Hipkins was the only candidate for the position and was confirmed by 64 MPs in what is known as the Labor caucus.

• Known as "Chippy", Hipkins played a key role in the response to COVID-19.

• He was first elected to Parliament in 2008 for the Labor Party.

• He was appointed Minister of Health in July 2020 before becoming the Minister of COVID Response.

• Before Hipkins can officially become prime minister, Ardern must submit her resignation to King Charles III's representative in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro.

• Kiro Hipkins will then be appointed to the role and sworn in.

• The Labour party has also selected Carmel Sepuloni as the deputy prime minister.

About New Zealand

• Prime Minister: Chris Hipkins

• Capital: Wellington

• Currency : New Zealand dollar