18 Oct 2020

'Shared vision': UK leaders congratulate Jacinda Ardern

1:26 am on 18 October 2020

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is among the first international leaders to pass on congratulations to Jacinda Ardern for her resounding election victory tonight.

No caption

Jacinda Ardern and Sadiq Khan at an event in London in 2018. Photo: Twitter / screenshot

"I look forward to continuing our special relationship based on our shared vision for an inclusive, fairer and greener future," Khan said on Twitter.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has praised Ardern's resounding victory and her speech to party supporters in Auckland.

"In a fine victory speech, these words resonate and perhaps they hold a lesson for Scotland too," Sturgeon said, before going on to quote part of the Labour leader's victory speech: "As a nation we can listen, we can debate ...we are too small to lose sight of other people's perspective."

UK Labour MP Lisa Nandy said that Ardern's victory was "an inspiration around the world".

Australia's Labor leader Anthony Albanese has passed on his best wishes, saying "Kiwis have voted to keep New Zealand moving for three more years".

Former Labor leader Bill Shorten said said New Zealanders "have great taste in political leaders".

"Huge congrats to my friend Jacinda Ardern and the Labour Party" for what was shaping to be a famous victory, Shorten wrote.

The president of Australia's Labor Party, Wayne Swan, said it was an overwhelming result for Ardern, a big boost for social democratic policy, and "an inspiration for those who believe in inclusive growth & a fair society".

Ardern told media she had received messages of congratulations from other international leaders but did not want to specify who they were.

Ardern also received praise from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama:

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs