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New Zealand politicians react to PM's shocking resignation

Xinhua, December 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

New Zealand's presumptive next leader on Monday paid tribute to outgoing Prime Minister John Key "as one of New Zealand's greatest leaders."

Key, who announced his decision to step down after eight years as in office earlier in the day, would leave a huge gap, said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bill English.

"Through good times and bad, his strong leadership has been steadfast and this is a more confident, successful and self-assured country because of his contribution. He has truly made a difference," English said in a statement.

Key's announcement shocked fellow Members of Parliament of his center-right National Party as much as it did to the rest of the country.

He said his family had made huge sacrifices and he felt it was the right time to go.

The National Party caucus will choose a new leader on Dec. 12 and Key said he would back English if he put himself forward.

English was appointed National Party leader in 2001, but resigned after he led the party to a disastrous election defeat in 2002.

Asked by various news organizations on Monday if he would stand for the leadership, English declined to commit or to rule it out.

Other senior National Party Cabinet ministers being touted as potential contestants include Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce, Climate Change Issues Minister and Associate Finance Minister Paula Bennett, and Police and Corrections Minister Judith Collins.

Political opponents offered mixed views with the leaders of the Labor Party and Green Party praising Key for his service to the country.

"John Key has served New Zealand generously and with dedication," Labour Party leader Andrew Little said in a statement.

"The Prime Minister has served New Zealand through times of considerable global instability, and will leave politics proud of his achievements."

Green Party co-leader James Shaw said Key should be applauded for his commitment to public service and to New Zealand.

"No matter your political allegiance, you have to respect someone who chooses to make the personal sacrifices required to be our country's Prime Minister," Shaw said in a statement.

The opposition New Zealand First party was less magnanimous, saying Key's reasons for standing down could not be credible.

"The fact is that the economy is not in the healthy state that the Prime Minister has for so long claimed, and there are other issues which have caused this decision as well," New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said in a statement. Endit