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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Bill English set to become New Zealand's next Prime Minister Thursday Dec 08,2016

Bill English is set to become New Zealand's next Prime Minister following the shock resignation this week of John Key.

The two other challengers for the role both conceded on Thursday Dec 08,2016, saying that English had secured the majority support he needed from his 58 National Party colleagues in the parliament.

The conservative party's caucus meets on Monday and officially pick Key's successor.

English has been Key's trusted deputy prime minister for the past eight years and has been praised for his handling of the economy in his role as finance minister. But critics say the 54-year-old lacks the charisma needed for the top job. English has previously led his party, taking them to a big defeat in the 2002 election.

John Key had been a popular leader and was widely expected to contest a fourth straight election next year before his surprise resignation on Monday.

John Key said he wanted to leave while he was on top of his game and to spend more time with his wife and two children.

During his resignation speech, John Key endorsed Bill English as the next prime minister.

As leader, Bill English will get to choose the date of next year's election.

Before the leadership change most people had expected it to be held in September, but some lawmakers are now calling for an earlier vote.

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