Caucus backs his leadership, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says, after he moved a formal motion of confidence in his leadership

By Anna Whyte and Mandy Te

Under pressure and having to bat away questions over his leadership while up against a leaky caucus, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon moved a formal motion to confirm his leadership on Tuesday.

"That motion was passed, confirming what I have been saying. I have the support of my caucus as their leader," Luxon told reporters after he and Finance Minister Nicola Willis emerged from a caucus meeting that lasted hours, with the unusual attendance of the Speaker, Gerry Brownlee.

Luxon said he moved a formal motion of confidence in his leadership "to put media speculation to rest."

This motion of confidence occurred at National's caucus meeting, and it was the first time National MPs gathered together in weeks. It also comes as Luxon's leadership has been under question (though not for the first time). This resurfaced last Friday after reports of discontent in his caucus began to circulate and polls showed a sharp decline in public confidence.

In a short prepared statement, Luxon told reporters there had been intense media speculation about his leadership and "about who said what to whom." 

"Our caucus had a good, honest discussion. Our team is more determined than ever to serve Kiwis and to win the election." 

"The caucus has answered clearly and decisively. It has backed my leadership. That matter is now closed, and it won't be, and I won't be commenting further on it."

Luxon also called out the media, saying: "A free press is important. In a democracy, you give citizens the chance to know the truth about their countries and their governments and hold the leaders like me accountable, and I welcome that.

"But if the media want to keep focusing on speculation and rumour, I am not going to engage."

To show he would not engage, Luxon did not answer questions from media.