In New Zealand, governing National Party has officially appointed Bill English to succeed John Key as Prime Minister, It follows Mr Key's surprise resignation last week. Social housing Minister Paula Bennett has been named as Deputy Prime Minister. <br/><br/>The appointments were confirmed after a meeting of the National Party's caucus. Mr English, currently Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, will be officially sworn in at Government House in Wellington later today. <br/><br/>Mr Key said last week his decision to stand down was for family reasons and would not be seeking a fourth term in the 2017 election