Bill English to replace New Zealand prime minister John Key

New Zealand's ruling National Party has appointed Bill English as the country's new prime minister - a widely expected move.

It comes a week after John Key stepped down as prime minister in a shock decision at the height of his popularity.

Mr English, 54, who was alone in the race, will be officially sworn in at Government House in Wellington later on Monday.

He told journalists after the announcement: "I am both excited and humbled by this opportunity."

Mr English, who comes from a conservative, Catholic family, has already lined up social housing minister Paula Bennett as deputy leader, and senior cabinet minister Steven Joyce will replace him in the finance ministry.

Mr English is expected to announce further Cabinet changes in the coming weeks and has also signalled a "stocktake" on policy.

Mr English, who 13 years ago oversaw a disastrous election loss for the National Party to the centre-left Labour Party, takes the reins of a country in good economic shape compared to much of the developed world.

On Monday, credit ratings firm Moody's said it expects New Zealand to remain among the fastest growing of triple-A rated economies.

Mr English has held several ministerial posts across education, health and finance since he joined parliament in 1990.

As finance minister, his key policies included moves to partly privatise several state-owned energy firms and Air New Zealand, cutting personal tax and corporate tax rates and increasing the goods and services tax.

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