New Zealand’s New Leader
December 14, 2016
On Monday, December 12, New Zealand‘s Deputy Prime Minister Bill English was chosen to head the ruling National Party and subsequently became the country’s new prime minister. English replaced Prime Minister John Key, whose decision to resign last week came as a surprise to many New Zealanders. Key had served as prime minister since 2008 and had led the National Party since 2006. Key said he hoped the leadership change would breathe new energy into the party ahead of the 2017 general election. Key also expressed the desire to spend more time with his family.
Bill English became prime minister of New Zealand on Dec. 12, 2016. Credit: © Crown Copyright
Upon taking office, English said, “As prime minister, I am committed to building a New Zealand which rewards hard work and enterprise and which cares for our most vulnerable. I recognize the aspiration of all New Zealanders to flourish and this government will work hard to help them do so.”
Simon William English was born in the small Southland community of Lumsden in 1961. He was educated at St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream, and later studied economics at the University of Otago and English literature at Victoria University of Wellington. He worked as a treasury analyst before returning to his family’s farm in Dipton, near Lumsden. English was first elected to New Zealand’s Parliament in 1990. He previously led the National Party from 2001 to 2003, and had served as deputy prime minister and finance minister since 2008.
