New Zealand’s ruling party confirms Hipkins as new prime minister – Radio New Zealand

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand’s ruling Labour Party selected Chris Hipkins to replace Jacinda Ardern as leader of the Labour party and prime minister in a meeting on Sunday, Radio New Zealand reported.

Hipkins, 44, was the only nomination for the job and his confirmation by the 64 lawmakers, known as the Labour caucus, was largely a formality.

Hipkins is expected to hold a news conference shortly to officially announce the decision.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer, writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by William Mallard)