Jacinda Ardern Becomes New Zealand's Youngest Woman Leader

New Zealand is set for a centre-left coalition government led by Labour head Jacinda Ardern. Ms Ardern has been opposition leader for the last three months. At 37, she is set to be the country's youngest prime minister since 1856.

Her Labour Party came second in September's election, where no party was able to secure a majority. They are now tipped for power after the small New Zealand First party agreed to join them in government. The new coalition will also be supported by the Green Party.

Who is Jacinda Ardern?

  • Involved in left-wing politics since her teens - including spending time in the UK as policy adviser to Tony Blair
  • First entered parliament in 2008, at the age of 28
  • Took over the Labour leadership on 31 July
  • Made tackling inequality, affordable housing and student debt a key part of her election campaign
  • Has been outspoken on feminism and mental health
  • Brought up a Mormon - but left the faith over its opposition to same-sex marriage

Courtesy:BBC