Francesca Rudkin: There's nothing wrong with taking time to fill up the tank

<p>Until Thursday, I would have described 2023, all 19 days of it, as been all about extreme weather, Harry and Meghan’s attempt to burn down the House of Windsor, and potholes.</p> <p>But nothing gets a newsroom going like a surprise resignation of a Prime Minister. Who would have thought one of our most popular Prime Ministers would join the great resignation trend. I was both shocked, and somehow not surprised.</p> <p>The Prime Minister said “I have given my absolute all to being Prime Minister but it has also taken a lot out of me. You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along.</p> <p>Having reflected over summer I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It’s that simple.”</p> <p>And it is. We always hear politicians say the job is a privilege and that it’s an honour to serve. But it can be a thankless task. Unless you are a politician or married to one, I don’t think anyone really understands what the job fully entails - the work load, the hours, the constant critiquing of your performance and policies. If you worry about what other people think of you then the job for not for you.</p> <p>I appreciated her honesty around it. Quite simply, she’s burnt out. There should be no shame or judgement in that - save that for her political legacy. Who wouldn’t be depleted after the last five and a half years she’s had, years unlike what any previous prime minister has had to deal with. I’m sure it felt like twice as long. I’d be buggered too.</p> <p>There will be those who feel that since she was elected by the people, she should stick it out until October 14^th. That she is leaving because of a drop in the polls and can read the writing on the wall. That she cannot handle the vitriol and nastiness many women in politics experience, and on a growing level. Sure, these issues probably contributed to Ardern’s decision but it’s not one thing alone that leads to