Wellington | Jacinda Ardern’s shock resignation and confirmation from the widely assumed heir apparent, Finance Minister Grant Robertson, that he will not be contesting the leadership has thrown Labour’s election year into chaos.

At the War Memorial Convention Centre in Napier, Labour MPs wandered around in a daze – clearly shell-shocked by the news. Almost no one was told of the prime minister’s decision to leave before today. Cabinet found out at 7.30am on Thursday.