New Zealand’s ruling National Party appointed Bill English as the country’s new prime minister on Monday following last week’s shock resignation of his predecessor John Key.
Mr English has been sworn in at Government House in Wellington on Monday hours after the centre-right National Party caucus met to confirm his selection on Monday morning.
Paula Bennett was sworn in as deputy prime minister. “Bill and Paula are outstanding leaders who will provide a good mixture of experience and fresh thinking,” said party president Peter Goodfellow.
“Under their leadership, New Zealanders will continue to benefit from the stable government they expect, along with a dedicated focus on delivering results for families and businesses.”
Mr English, 54, was Mr Key’s preferred candidate to succeed him after serving as finance minister and returning New Zealand’s budget to surplus. But critics say the 54-year-old lacks the charisma needed for the top job. Mr English has previously led his party, taking them to a big defeat in the 2002 election.
-Agencies
