LOC19:10
16:10 GMT
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (KUNA) -- New Zealand's beloved Prime Minister John Key abruptly tendered his resignation on Monday, citing personal reasons, a move that has taken many New Zealanders by surprise.
"This was the most difficult decision I have made in my life," Key said, adding that he does not know what the future holds for him.
Moreover, he noted that he can now spend more time with his family as he revealed that his decision came at the behest of his wife.
Key, who was at the helm of the New Zealand National party for a decade, said that he has "given everything he has with nothing left to offer."
Meanwhile, the New Zealand National Party is due to convene on December 12 to name a replacement for Key, with Deputy Prime Minister Bill English most likely to take over.
The former currency trader ascended to the position of Prime Minister in 2008, ending the nine-year rule of his predecessor Helen Clark.
Largely a political novice, he emerged victorious in elections held in 2008, 2011 and 2014. (end)
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