New Zealand's ruling National Party appointed the socially conservative finance chief Bill English as the new Prime Minister of the country. The move has been taken following the surprise resignation of his popular predecessor John Key.

State Services Minister Paula Bennett was named as deputy leader.

The 54-year-old English was preferred as the key candidate to succeed him after serving under him as finance minister and returning New Zealand's budget to a surplus.

Party president Peter Goodfellow, said that, "Bill and Paula are outstanding leaders who will provide a good mixture of experience and fresh thinking."  

"Under their leadership, New Zealanders will continue to benefit from the stable government they expect, along with a dedicated focus on delivering results for families and businesses."

English is regarded as far more socially conservative than his predecessor Key, criticizing the 2013 legalization of same-sex marriage and speaking out against abortion and voluntary euthanasia.

Key tweeted soon after the announcement, "Congratulations to my good friend @honbillenglish on becoming the new leader of the @nznationalparty and the next Prime Minister of NZ."

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Nandini