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Labor leader Jacinda Ardern says she won’t see another full term in politics if Labor loses the 2020 election.
Two days before the polls closed, both Ardern and national leader Judith Collins led the final TVNZ leaders debate Thursday night.
The state broadcaster’s political editor, Jessica Mutch McKay, asked both leaders about child poverty, housing, and the Covid-19 response.
Near the end of the debate, Ardern was asked if she would remain the Labor leader if the party lost the election.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Labor leader and prime minister Jacinda Ardern says she would reign if Labor lost the election.
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“No,” Ardern said.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Ardern said he would walk away from politics entirely if Labor lost the election.
“My message would be if the people don’t want me to resign, then vote for the Labor Party.”
Ardern said that a consequence of not winning would be the need to move on, and that would be his choice.
He said he wanted to clarify his intention for voters.
“I made my point and I think I made it clearly… I welcome the opportunity to be crystal clear.
“Our plan is to be successful on election night.”
Ryan Anderson / Stuff
Judith Collins from the National Party speaks to reporters after the final debate being debated by the leaders of TVNZ.
Collins was also asked if he would keep his job as national leader if the party lost the election.
He said he retained the party’s backing and would keep the job because strong and decisive leadership was needed.
Later, speaking to reporters, she said she was “the best person for the job … and prime minister, obviously.”
