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write(\" <time>\"+writeGregorianDate() +\" </time>\"); Last updated: 5 min 57 sec ago Powerful Pacific typhoon could threaten Japan by weekend New Zealand opposition changes leader as election looms King Salman to host 1,000 families of Egyptian martyrs in performing Hajj Saudi crown prince launches ambitious Red Sea tourism project Former US diplomat liable in slavery, sex trafficking case Iran stalling probe into attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions: Official source US imposes sanctions on 'dictator' Maduro Jeddah bids farewell to Judy Houry, the woman who started the Kingdom's only therapeutic riding facility King Salman's efforts to reopen Al-Aqsa Mosque lauded Medical evacuation aircraft transport 1,001 cases in 6 months WELLINGTON: New Zealand's main opposition gambled on a leadership change just weeks before a general election Tuesday after polling showed it was heading for disaster at the ballot box

The center-left Labour Party selected 37-year-old Jacinda Ardern to take it into the September 23 election, making her the youngest leader in its 101-year history

The move came after outgoing leader Andrew Little quit in response to a string of opinion polls that put Labour's support at 20-year lows of 23-24 percent, giving it no chance of forming a government

Ardern, who was Little's deputy, becomes Labour's fifth leader in four years as she seeks to prevent the center-right National Party-led coalition winning a fourth term

"This team is about to run the campaign of our lives," she said after winning the leadership unopposed

Ardern was elected to parliament in 2008 after working as a political adviser and has long been seen as the face of a new generation coming through the Labour ranks

With her new deputy Kelvin Davis standing alongside her, she promised "relentless positivity" and appealed to young, idealistic voters

"We'll be talking to a new generation of voters, but not just about their own personal circumstances," she told reporters

"As a country, we can do better than this," she added

Little, 52, admitted he had failed to get his message across during more than two years as leader

"Recent poll results have been disappointing

As leader, I must take responsibility for these results," he said

"I do take responsibility and believe that Labour must have an opportunity to perform better under new leadership through to the election

"Prime Minister Bill English said the change of leadership would not solve Labour's problems

"They're in disarray, the basic problem isn't really the leadership, it's they just don't have a positive view of what New Zealand can achieve," he told reporters

English took over as leader of the National Party after John Key's shock resignation late last year

While he does not have the personal popularity of his predecessor, the party's vote share has held steady at around 47 percent under English's leadership

However, he warned the Nationals could not be complacent because New Zealand's complicated proportional voting system usually results in minority governments reliant on smaller parties as coalition partners

For more infomation >> New Zealand opposition changes leader as election looms | Arab News - Duration: 3:27.

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Arsenal transfer news: Thomas Lemar being considered by Reds as Philippe Coutinho replacement - Duration: 4:44.

Liverpool transfer news: Thomas Lemar being considered by Reds as Philippe Coutinho replacement

LIVERPOOL are considering joining Arsenal in the race for Monaco star Thomas Lemar, according to reports. Reds playmaker Philippe Coutinho is being lined up to replace Paris Saint-Germain-bound Neymar. Liverpool are considering a move for Monaco star Thomas Lemar.

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho appears to be on his way to Barcelona. Anfield chiefs are reportedly resigned to losing their star player, but will recoup a fee of about £70million.

And they are now mulling over a move for 21-year-old Monaco winger Lemar, according to Le 10 Sport. But Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for the Frenchman.

The Gunners third bid of £44million was rejected by the Ligue 1 champions. It is believed Lemar favours a move to the Emirates to link up with compatriot Arsene Wenger.

Wenger is desperate to land the player as he looks to break his way back into the Champions League. Monaco are reluctant to sell having already lost key men Bernardo Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy.

Arsenal and Liverpool are now both in the chase for Thomas Lemar.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to land Thomas Lemar.

But Liverpool could force their hand with a big enough bid should they lose Brazil star Coutinho, 25. Coutinho will not come cheap having signed a new long-term contract in January keeping him at Anfield until 2022.

Thomas Lemar: The Guadeloupe-born Monaco star Arsenal want Thomas Lemar was born in Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe, on 12 November 1995 The winger began his youth career at Solidarite Scolaire before joining Caen in 2010.

In 2013 he broke into the first team at Caen, before Monaco snapped him up in 2015.

The 21-year-old is rated highly by the national team and has played for the U17s, U18s, U19s, U20s and U21s before appearing in the senior side.

He made his France debut in 15 November in 2016 after appearing as a sub in a 0-0 friendly against the Ivory Coast.

Lemar won his first piece of silverware with Monaco last season after they were crowned Ligue 1 champions. Think Lemar could be a fantasy football hit? Sign up here.

Neymar is set to undergo a Paris Saint-Germain medical this week. The Reds have made no formal enquiry to Monaco, nor have they spoken to Lemars representatives.

RB Leipzig star Naby Keita was Liverpools No1 target this summer but they have been told to look elsewhere by club chief Oliver Mintzlaff.

After rejecting three bids – the latest of which reaching almost £70m – Minztlaff said: €75m (£66.9m) is not enough to buy Keita. He is World Class, he stays. "RB Leipzig is looking forward to the next season together with Naby Keita.

  Monaco star who is Arsenal boss Arsene Wengers top target this summer. but is Thomas Lemar worth the money?.