Even Men In Power Can't Ignore Their Better Halves: New Zealand PM Resigns Because His Wife Told Him To

By Shubham Ghosh - 06 Dec '16 11:03AM

Wives can be difficult to ignore for even men in power. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key proved it on Monday (December 5) when he decided to quit office after serving in office for eight years. Reports said Key took the "hardest decision" of his life after his wife Bronagh asked him to do so because of the "extraordinary levels of intrusion" in the lives of their children - Stephie and Max.

Fifty-five-year-old Key, who cited family reasons behind taking the sudden decision, also resigned as the leader of the National Party. He was visibly emotional as he informed his Cabinet about the decision, said a Morning Ledger report. Key is credited for boosting New Zealand's economy during his stay in office. His decision left both his center-right party and the country as a whole in shock.

According to reports, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English is expected to take over as the island-nation's next premier. English praised Key saying the latter's "strong leadership has been steadfast" and New Zealand has been a "more confident, successful and self-assured country because of his contribution," Xinhua reported.

Key, too, reciprocated by revealing his intention to back English as his successor. The National Party will pick the next leader on December 12, said an IANS report. The National Party caucus will choose a new leader on December 12 and Key said he would back English if he put himself forward. Other potential candidates to become the next New Zealand premier included Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce, Police and Corrections Minister Judith Collins and Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce, added IANS report. The Keys celebrated their 32nd marriage anniversary recently, the former premier said in a tweet.

Celebrated my 32nd wedding anniversary with my beautiful wife Bronagh last night. pic.twitter.com/2ue4yg9TfR

— John Key (@johnkeypm) December 1, 2016

Even the US President could have been divorced!

That political leaders' lives are indeed influenced by their betters halves was also known when departing US President Barack Obama jokingly said in a television show recently that had he stood for a third term, his wife Michelle Obama would have given him a divorce.