Following the resignation of Jacinda Ardern, the world’s youngest female Prime Minister, from the Labor Party leadership and Prime Minister position, Chris Hipkins was elected as New Zealand’s new Prime Minister and Labor Party leader. After being sworn in on Wednesday, Hipkins will assume the post until the general elections on October 14.

Coming out as the only candidate, 44-year-old Hipkins said in a press release “I am energized and excited by the challenge that lies ahead. This is the biggest privilege and biggest responsibility of my life.”

Hipkins was appointed as Minister of Health in July 2020 and later as Minister of Combating COVID-19.