Ardern Discusses Popularity Decline on The Graham Norton Show

Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern addressed the decline in her public approval ratings during her recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show. This episode, part of her UK media tour promoting her new documentary, “Prime Minister,” aired on Saturday morning in New Zealand (NZT).

During the show, host Graham Norton directly questioned Ardern about her waning popularity prior to her resignation from politics in January 2023. “What went wrong? What was the tipping point?” Norton asked. Ardern attributed her declining approval to a broader shift in the global political landscape, marked by increasing aggression and hostility toward political leaders.

“It’s not just any one leader who has experienced that shift. It has shifted, and amongst all of that, I do think we’re at a moment in time,” Ardern explained. She urged the public to maintain hope in the potential for better politics, emphasizing the need for decency and kindness within the political sphere. “Expect decency in politics, expect kindness in your politics. I do think we will come back to that,” she stated.

Reflections on Leadership and Personal Challenges

Ardern’s insights were complemented by praise from actress Kate Winslet, who commended her for managing the news of her pregnancy during the coalition negotiations with New Zealand First following the 2017 election. Winslet, renowned for her role in “Titanic,” expressed admiration for Ardern’s ability to balance leadership responsibilities with personal challenges.

“Oh my god, she is so amazing,” Winslet remarked, highlighting Ardern’s resilience. This moment of camaraderie illustrated the support the former Prime Minister received from notable figures during her public engagements.

Although the episode has aired in other countries, it will not be available in New Zealand until December 12, 2023, when it can be streamed on the TVNZ app.

In a related interview with BBC Radio 4, Ardern shared her experience of maintaining privacy regarding her pregnancy for 20 weeks while dealing with significant morning sickness. She expressed a desire to demonstrate that a leader could be both competent and nurturing. Ardern noted, “I am not going to lie, those first 20 weeks were hard, but they were also doable.”

Her reflections on leadership, motherhood, and public service continue to resonate, underscoring the challenges faced by women in political roles. Ardern’s candidness about her journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the complexities inherent in balancing personal and professional commitments.