John Key steps down, social media reacts

2:45 pm on 5 December 2016

Hamish Cardwell, Senior Journalist

Social media was quick to react when Prime Minister John Key dropped his political bombshell today.

Newly-elected Prime Minister John Key in London in 2008 Photo: AFP / FILE

When word went out that Mr Key's weekly post-Cabinet news conference was going to be held hours early, plenty of speculation followed:

PM has called a 1245 presser. Is the reshuffle on?
— Andrea Vance (@avancenz) December 4, 2016

Why is the PM holding an urgent 1245pm press conference. Get your bets in fast. pic.twitter.com/LHjL4uXgCK
— Toby Manhire (@toby_etc) December 4, 2016

And then Mr Key dropped his bombshell:

Prime Minister John Key has resigned. @rnz_news
— Mei Heron (@meiheron) December 4, 2016

Politicians in New Zealand and overseas were quick to offer their thoughts:

John Key has served New Zealand generously and with dedication. I wish him and his family the best for the future.
— Andrew Little (@AndrewLittleMP) December 5, 2016

I fought every day against John's politics but always supported his right to be a dad & a husband first. I wish him and his family well.
— Metiria Turei (@metiria) December 5, 2016

Congratulations @johnkeypm on outstanding service as PM of NZ.

Your country is stronger and richer.

I really enjoyed working with you.
— Joe Hockey (@JoeHockey) December 5, 2016

Some were saddened by the news:

Sad about John Key but will be excited if Judith Collins stands as leader
— Carolyn Farrell (@EnglishRoseNZL) December 5, 2016

First we lose Paul Henry and now John Key?? Wtf is going on in this world??!!
— Steven Yee (@stevenyee123) December 5, 2016

Admired John Key as father/ family man..NZ blessed with two g8 leaders @HelenClarkUNDP and him..Al da best #votegreen
— Connie (@ConnieAke) December 5, 2016

We have been so lucky to have had John Key. The poison of identity politics could not work against his patent decency
— Stephen Franks (@franks_lawyer) December 5, 2016

But there were those that could barely contain themselves:

I know this extreme joy is going to be replaced by rock bottom depression when his replacement is announced. But still. I'm taking it YAYYYY
— Sim (@nz_sim) December 5, 2016

It's fitting that I would be wearing this Red Peak shirt on the day that John Key resigned. Good riddance.
— Mike Jeffcott (@mwjeffcott) December 5, 2016

And then, of course, the jokers had some fun:

@meiheron @Mihi_Forbes @rnz_news pic.twitter.com/Hf5j2F1T27
— Happy BetseyTrotwood (@Suzyiam) December 5, 2016

John key stepping down to record mixtape with son Max. Says he's looking forward to writing beats not policies.
— Lucy Kate Smith (@LucyKateSmith1) December 5, 2016

John Key just copying @RusselNorman by getting out of the game on his own terms. Can't wait to see his beard #nzpol
— John P (@JJPalethorpe) December 5, 2016