By Recep Sakar

MELBOURNE, Australia

Bill English has been sworn in as New Zealand’s prime minister following the resignation of John Key last week.

Bill English, who served as Key’s deputy and minister of finance, became the country’s 39th prime minister after his election Monday by the National Party caucus -- which chose Paula Bennett as deputy prime minister.

The New Zealand Herald reported English as saying in a short statement that it was a privilege to be appointed to the top post, promising the country’s Governor-General to "take seriously the role you have conferred on us".

On Dec. 5, Key announced his resignation after eight years in office, saying that "it was time to move on".

"This is the hardest decision I've ever made and I don't know what I'll do next,” he said, citing family reasons for leaving -- stating that the job of prime minister had required great sacrifices "from those who are dearest to me," he had said.

On Monday, Key said, “I know I'm passing over to tremendously good hands in the form of Bill English and Paula Bennett. They are going to steer the country extremely well."

During a press conference, the new prime minister promised a moderate government and vowed to keep infrastructure a priority.

"This will be a Government supporting economic growth and ensuring the benefits of growth are widely shared," English underlined.

The next general election will take place before November 2017.