New Zealand Opposition Leader resigns after 53 days

Wellington (dpa) 14 July -   New Zealand’s opposition leader Todd Muller has resigned after just 53 days in the position, just months before the country heads to the polling booths in a general election.   

Muller has been leader since he ousted Simon Bridges on May 22, following a week of poor polling for the right-wing opposition.   

Muller said in a brief press release that he had taken time over the weekend to reflect on his position.   

“It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be leader of the opposition and leader of the New Zealand National Party at this critical time for New Zealand.”   

The role had taken a “heavy toll” on himself and his family, and had become untenable from a health perspective, he said.   

National Party MPs will meet Tuesday to decide who will take over the leadership.   

New Zealand will hold its general election on September 19.