The resignation of New Zealand's justice minister, Kiri Allan, in the aftermath of failing an alcohol breath test following a car crash, marks a significant development in the country's political landscape, reports BBC on Jul 24. Ms. Allan's decision to step down came after she was charged with careless driving and resisting arrest, making her the fourth minister from Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' cabinet to leave since March.
The incident has raised questions about the integrity and stability of the government, especially with the upcoming elections in October. Ms. Allan's resignation further adds to the challenges faced by Prime Minister Hipkins, who acknowledged that his party has experienced a messy time lately.
The former minister's personal difficulties, including a recent separation from her partner and accusations of poor working relationships with staff, have also come to light. Her return to work while dealing with personal challenges has been met with repercussions, leading her to admit that she was not in the right state of mind when she returned to parliament.
Ms. Allan's departure is a significant loss for the Labour party, as she was once seen as a rising star and a potential successor to former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. However, her actions and legal troubles have had a profound impact on her political career.
The upcoming election is predicted to be a close contest between the centre-left Labour party and the main opposition, the National party, as indicated by an April opinion poll. With several high-profile resignations and controversies within the government, both parties will have to navigate through challenging times and gain the trust and support of the electorate.
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