New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has resigned, in a move that came as a shock to many observers.
Key, the leader of the National Party, had been in power since 2008.
“Ten years at the top is a long time,” he said, according to TVNZ, adding that he owed it to his family to step aside.
“A lot of leaders stay at the top too long.”
Key told reporters that he has “given everything to this job — a job that I cherish in a country that I love.”
“All of this has come at quite some sacrifice for the people that are dearest to me, my family.”
Developing story – more to come