Chris Hipkins, New Zealand's education and policing minister, is set to become the country's next prime minister following the resignation of Jacinda Ardern.
He is expected to be confirmed as the only candidate nominated for the role at a meeting of the ruling Labour Party caucus on Sunday.
Hipkins, who is also the minister for COVID-19, was first elected to parliament in 2008 and has been praised for his handling of the pandemic.
Ardern announced her resignation on Thursday, citing tiredness after six years in office.
New Zealand's education and policing minister Chris Hipkins is set to become the country's next prime minister, replacing Jacinda Ardern who announced her resignation earlier this week.
Hipkins emerged as the only candidate for the position and is expected to be confirmed by the Labour Party caucus in a meeting on Sunday.
He previously served as minister for COVID-19 and has been praised for his handling of the pandemic.
According to Duncan Webb, a senior Labour Party member, the meeting on Sunday will "endorse the nomination and confirm Chris Hipkins as Party Leader".
Ardern, who has become a global liberal icon, said at a press conference that she was too tired to seek a third term.
Hipkins told reporters that he was "absolutely humbled and honoured" but that "there is still a bit to go in this process".