New Zealand prime minister resigns

John Key has announced that he will resign as prime minister of New Zealand, after eight years in the job.
   
Mr. Key called it the hardest decision he has ever made, adding that he does not know what he will do next.
   
Bill English is expected to take over until the National Party holds a caucus to choose a new prime minister.
   
The New Zealand Herald reports that Mr. Key is stepping down at the request of his wife.
   
He won a third term for the National Party in September 2014.