Jacinda Ardern has revealed her plans to step down as the prime minister of New Zealand in a shock announcement.

The 42-year-old became the world's youngest female head of government in 2017 when she took the position at 37 years of age.

Just a year later, she became only the second world leader to ever give birth while in office after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto became the first in 1990, per BBC News.

The leader of the Labour government steered her country through the pandemic as New Zealand was praised for its approach towards Covid-19.

Watch the shock announcement below:

[[youtubewidget||https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWmecuK8M-8]]

During the height of the pandemic, Ardern showed her ability to stay calm in a crisis as a live interview was interrupted by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake.

As reported by Sky News, Ardern has announced her plans to resign as New Zealand's prime minister, with her final day being February 7.

During an emotional news conference, the prime minister struggled to hold back tears, stating: "I know what this job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It's that simple."

[[imagecaption|| Jacinda Ardern took office in 2017, becoming the world's youngest female leader. Credit: SOPA Images / Alamy]]

BBC News reported that the announcement comes at a time when Ardern's Labour party faces a "difficult path" to reelection with a general election set to take place this coming October, though the 42-year-old believes that her party will still come out on top.

Speaking on her decision, Ardern said: "I know there will be much discussion in the aftermath of this decision as to what the so-called 'real reason' was.

"I can tell you that what I am sharing today is it. The only interesting angle that you will find, is that after going on for six years of some big challenges, I am human."

She concluded the conference by stating: "As to my time in the job, I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused.

"And that you can be your own kind of leader - one who knows when it's time to go."

[[imagecaption|| Ardern became the second world leader to give birth while in office. Credit: ALEXANDROS MICHAILIDIS / Alamy]]

She added that while the last five-and-a-half years had been the "most fulfilling" of her life, it had also been difficult leading the country through a series of challenges over the past few years.

Ardern explained: "These events... have been taxing because of the weight, the sheer weight and continual nature of them. There's never really been a moment where it's ever felt like we were just governing."

Deputy prime minister Grant Robertson revealed he would not be seeking to enter a leadership contest, so it remains unknown who will take the position between February and the October election.

Featured image credit: ALEXANDROS MICHAILIDIS / Alamy

Jacinda Ardern to resign as New Zealand's prime minister