gayford is the eldest of three siblings. he is the partner of jacinda ardern; the couple began dating in 2013. in august 2017, ardern was elected as leader of the labour party and, following a general election, she became prime minister on 26 october 2017. gayford has been referred to as the spouse of the prime minister, although the couple are unmarried. he has accompanied ardern on international visits, including the 2018 commonwealth heads of government meeting in london, uk.