Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigns: What Labour MPs have said when asked if they want the top job

The country is still reeling after the Prime Minister's abrupt resignation on Thursday but Labour MPs are already being asked whether they're planning a punt at the top job. 

Jacinda Ardern stepped down on Thursday after running the country for more than five years.  Speaking with media on Thursday, Ardern said she will not seek re-election and will stand down on February 7. 

"I have given my absolute all to being Prime Minister but it has also taken a lot out of me. You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along," Ardern said

"Having reflected over summer I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It's that simple."

The Labour Party caucus will pick its new leader - New Zealand's next Prime Minister - on Sunday and there's already immense interest in who it will be. 

Here's what Labour MPs have said so far about whether they're planning a crack at the top job. 

Grant Robertson

The most obvious replacement, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has already ruled himself out as the new leader. 

 "I am not putting myself forward to be a candidate for a leader of the Labour Party," Robertson told Newshub on Thursday. 

"In 2014 when I failed to secure the leadership of the Party for the second time, I said I would not put myself forward again and my position has not changed."

Grant Robertson has ruled himself out of the race.
Grant Robertson has ruled himself out of the race. Photo credit: Getty Images

Chris Hipkins

Another top contender is Chris Hipkins who didn't give anything away when he was asked on Friday.

"As I said yesterday I think it's important the Labour team have an opportunity to talk amongst themselves. There have been some great conversations happening and I am really optimistic that we will build a consensus around a new leader and we will continue to provide the unified and stable leadership that New Zealanders voted for," Hipkins said. 

When asked if he was "definitely in the running", Hipkins said he is "not indicating anything". 

"I am just saying I think that's a decision for the Labour team and I think it's really important we work together. The conversations that have been had over the last 24 hours have been very positive and constructive. "

He said "at this point" there is not a list of candidates for the new role. When asked if he had what it took to be the new leader, Hipkins said he is absolutely committed to the success of the Government. 

Chris Hipkins isn't giving anything away.
Chris Hipkins isn't giving anything away. Photo credit: Getty Images

Stuart Nash

When asked whether his name was in the mix for the leadership, Stuart Nash said: "No, no there's a process to go through". 

"Caucus is meeting down in Wellington on Sunday to determine who will lead this party into this election."

Nash said the Labour Cabinet is more than the leader and everyone is committed to working together to choose the new leader. 

Stuart Nash is staying tight-lipped.
Stuart Nash is staying tight-lipped. Photo credit: Newshub

Kelvin Davis

Davis firmly ruled himself out of the leadership race on Friday. When asked whether he wanted the top job Davis simply said, "No, not that much". 

Kelvin Davis isn't interested in the top job.
Kelvin Davis isn't interested in the top job. Photo credit: Newshub

Kiri Allan

Allan hasn't ruled herself out of the contest but is tight-lipped beyond that. On Thursday she said a process is now underway to elect the new leader. 

Kiri Allan is staying quiet for the moment.
Kiri Allan is staying quiet for the moment. Photo credit: Getty Images

Megan Woods

Megan Woods is another frontrunner for the role but she's not giving anything away. She told media on Thursday she wouldn't be adding to the speculation and "no one will be ruling in or out."

Megan Woods says she's not adding to the speculation.
Megan Woods says she's not adding to the speculation. Photo credit: Getty Images

Michael Wood

Michael Wood is another MP being touted as a potential contender for the leadership. 

But Wood is saying very little about his ambitions, refusing to reveal whether he will stand.

"Today is about celebrating one of the finest Prime Ministers we've already had. After that, we will have a caucus process," Wood told Newshub on Thursday.

Wood is saying very little about his ambitions.
Wood is saying very little about his ambitions. Photo credit: Newshub

Rino Tirikatene

Labour MP Rino Tirikatene hasn't ruled out putting his name in the ring, telling Newshub on Friday it's "still under consideration".

Tirikatene said no one so far has "directly" sought his support for the Labour leadership but "we have been having lots of discussions".

"We always want to encourage Māori to strive for higher positions. I think all of Māoridom would like to see a Māori Prime Minister… as the co-chair of the Māori caucus we do support our Māori colleagues," he said.

Tirikatene hasn't ruled anything out.
Tirikatene hasn't ruled anything out. Photo credit: Labour Party