She answered a job ad – and may decide who leads an entire country

Chlöe Swarbrick, a 38-year-old business consultant who entered politics after answering a job ad, has become a key figure in New Zealand. Her party, The Opportunities Party, is expected to enter parliament with seven seats and may determine who forms the next government.

Chlöe Swarbrick, a 38-year-old business consultant, entered New Zealand politics less than a year ago after answering a job ad for the chair of The Opportunities Party. Now, with the election yielding no clear winner, her party is projected to enter parliament for the first time with seven seats, potentially making her the kingmaker who decides who will form the next government. According to preliminary results, her party won 5.96% of the vote. Incumbent Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his center-right party may hold a slim majority of just two seats, but the counting of special votes, to be released on November 27, could change the picture. Swarbrick promotes an economic plan for a basic annual income of about NZ$19,400 funded by a 1.75% land tax, but both major parties oppose the plan, and Luxon has stated he will not form a coalition with her party.