By Gurbir Singh (Hamilton, New Zealand), 13 Feb., 2018
New Zealand’s former PM and current opposition leader, Bill English has stepped down as the National Party’s leader.
English, accompanied by his wife Mary and his sons, made the announcement this morning at a press conference at the parliament in Wellington. Many party MPs stood behind him.
In an emotional announcement, he said now was the right time to step aside, and the decision was purely personal.
"As a family we have lived with the demands of public service, your strength and tolerance has enabled my career. I now look forward to my new life together."
"My resignation will take effect on Tuesday 27 and I intend to deliver a valedictory speech on Thursday 1 March," he added.
On Facebook also, English posted a live stream of his announcement, adding: "I'm announcing my retirement."
His resignation comes less than six months after he lost election to current Labour Party leader, Jacinda Arden.
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Gurbir Singh is a freelance Feature Writer & Journalist based in Hamilton, New Zealand. He can be contacted at: gurbir@journalist.com