New Zealand's prime minster Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford are expecting their first child in June.“We’re both really happy. We wanted a family but weren’t sure it would happen for us, which has made this news unexpected but exciting," Ardern said in a statement.Ardern said she and Gayford discovered the happy news on October 13. It was a big week of surprises for the 37-year-old. Six days later NZ First leader Winston Peters announced his support for a Labour-NZ First-Greens coalition government on October 19, making Ardern prime minister.Ardern says she will take six weeks leave after the baby is born. Peters will take on the role of acting prime minster during this time.“As is the case when I am overseas, Mr Peters will act as Prime Minister, working with my office while staying in touch with me. I fully intend to be contactable and available throughout the six week period when needed."Ardern's TV-presenter partner Gayford will be a stay-at-home dad.“Clarke and I are privileged to be in the position where Clarke can stay home to be our primary caregiver. Knowing that so many parents juggle the care of their new babies, we consider ourselves to be very lucky."Ardern has made no secret of her desire to be a mum one day but it appears that even she didn't realise it would happen at this point in her life.“We consider ourselves lucky for another reason. Clarke and I have always been clear we wanted to be parents but had been told we would need help for that to happen. That’s made this news a fantastic surprise."Ardern won’t be the first women leader to give birth while in office. That honour reportedly goes to Benazir Bhutto who had her second child in 1990 while serving as prime minister of Pakistan.
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