New Zealand PM survives second leadership challenge ahead of election
Christopher Luxon says he has "full support" of his party, after a vote of confidence 12 weeks before a general election.
New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has successfully navigated a second leadership challenge, securing the "full support" of his governing National Party ahead of the general election slated for November.
Luxon initiated an "urgent" gathering with his National Party caucus on Wednesday to confront "increased speculation about [his] leadership." Following the meeting, which extended beyond three hours, he informed reporters, "I have the full support of our caucus... Our caucus is united, and it is determined to win this election."
This marks the second such challenge to his leadership within a four-month span. Luxon and his party have been experiencing flagging support, attributed to a sluggish economy and several missteps by the Prime Minister.
Just last week, Luxon faced criticism for suggesting a potential referendum on New Zealand's electoral system during a live radio broadcast, a proposal made without prior consultation with his party colleagues. Earlier in the month, the 56-year-old leader provoked the nation's business sector with a speech urging small business owners to "be adult," asserting that the country's businesses exhibited a "parent-child mentality" towards the central government and too frequently depended on handouts. He subsequently issued an apology, acknowledging the difficulties many were enduring.
The former Air New Zealand CEO guided his centre-right party to victory in the 2023 elections, campaigning on promises to lower the cost of living and reduce taxes. At the time, he declared, "My pledge to you is that our government will deliver for every New Zealander."
However, his party's standing in opinion polls has declined in recent months as the economy continues to falter, with unemployment reaching an 11-year peak of 5.6%. A 1News Verian poll released on Wednesday morning indicated a drop in Luxon's preferred prime minister rating to 17%, a new low for his tenure, though he still leads all other candidates included in the survey.
New Zealand's next general election is scheduled for November 7.