John Key steps down, social media reacts

Social media was quick to react when Prime Minister John Key dropped his political bombshell today.

When word went out that Mr Key's weekly post-Cabinet news conference was going to be held hours early, plenty of speculation followed:

And then Mr Key dropped his bombshell:

Politicians in New Zealand and overseas were quick to offer their thoughts:

Some were saddened by the news:

But there were those that could barely contain themselves:

And then, of course, the jokers had some fun:

In the end, we are all this internet cat: