New Zealand PM concedes defeat

The New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark conceded defeat in the country's election today after the National Party leader John Key won enough seats to lead a conservative coalition. "As is obvious to all, tonight has not been our night," Ms Clark told supporters in Auckland. "I congratulate John Key and the National Party on the result they have achieved." Ms Clark also said she would step down as Labour Party leader after conceding defeat in the country's general election.

"My job as leader of the Labour Party is complete. I will be standing down and I will be expecting my Labour Party colleagues to elect a new leader before Christmas," she told supporters. *AFP