John Key resigns as Prime Minister, the internet reacts

Prime Minister John Key resigned today. Here’s how people are taking the news:

Prime minister John Key announced his shock resignation today and we’re all still processing.

The nation’s most perennially-popular ponytail-puller has lead the National Party through three terms in government. His resignation, with the party still riding high and Labour trailing in the polls, came as something of a shock.

In the rush to break the story, a few hasty journos may have fudged the message slightly. Damn autocorrect, huh.

Labour leader Andrew Little acknowledged the resignation and thanked Key for his service, in an understated tweet translated here by comedian Guy Williams:

For others, it's been a time to reflect on the many highlights of the Key era, including his hotdog-eating prowess and famous three-way handshake: 

 

As a number of commentators have already mused, it's a rare for politicians like Key - young enough, successful, and riding high in the polls - to leave of their own accord.

Key said in his announcement that many politicians stay too long, and he wouldn't have made it to the end of another term. He wants to spend more time travelling and with his family. But the shock of it has also left many speculating. Was he pushed? Did he get a better offer? Is there evidence of a love scandal, with, say, a certain Canadian head of state?

Or maybe the tide of lefty snark finally built to critical mass.