Prime Minister and National Party leader Christopher Luxon is batting away questions again over his leadership.
Taking to social media on Tuesday, Luxon wrote: “It is clear from various media reports and conversations there is increased speculation about my leadership.”
“It is my firm belief that division and disunity are a major distraction only 90 days out from the election. I also believe this distraction is unfair to the New Zealand people, and dedicated National Party candidates, supporters and volunteers, when there is so much at stake.”
“For these reasons, this issue needs to be resolved quickly, and I am calling an urgent in-person Caucus meeting tomorrow [Wednesday] at 9:30am in Wellington to resolve the issue,” he wrote on X.
This meeting comes after speculation from media outlets including the NZ Herald, who on Monday evening reported that unhappy National MPs were making phone calls about a potential leadership change.
It also follows what was a challenging week for Luxon, who apologised for his remarks at a breakfast hosted by the Rotorua Business Chamber, was accused of inaction over Foreign Affairs Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters’ comments to Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan, and later suggested he would hold a referendum on MMP if re-elected.
Senior National MPs Chris Bishop and Erica Stanford were floated to the NZ Herald as leadership candidates.
Bishop and Stanford have both ruled this out previously and on Tuesday morning, Bishop told reporters he had full confidence in Luxon as prime minister.
This isn’t the first time Luxon has been under pressure.
In April, Luxon moved a formal motion to confirm his leadership after reports of discontent in his caucus began to circulate and polls showed a sharp decline in public confidence.
"That motion was passed, confirming what I have been saying. I have the support of my caucus as their leader," Luxon told reporters at the time after he and Finance Minister Nicola Willis emerged from a caucus meeting that lasted hours, with the unusual attendance of the Speaker, Gerry Brownlee.
“The caucus has answered clearly and decisively. It has backed my leadership.”
It is clear from various media reports and conversations there is increased speculation about my leadership.
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) August 11, 2026
It is my firm belief that division and disunity are a major distraction only 90 days out from the election. I also believe this distraction is unfair to the New Zealand…
9 Comments
27-22 in April apparently - so was close, I can't seem him surviving this one given his horror last couple of weeks...
and the alternative is?....if they think the numbers are there to roll him they must also have a willing replacement (at least one)...the names speculated about have all been commented on as unsuitable for one reason or another.
If Luxon survives the coup then ring leaders need to go. You can't keep going like this a few months out from the election.
Yep, the white anting is being fed through the incessant MSMedia speculation & fangirling TOP.
WWMD - What Would Muldoon Do
I've been wondering whether Luxon or Hipkins would roll first however IMO Luxons heart isn't in politics & he has other options for a joyful life whereas Hipkins...?
Song reference time
Don't, don't you want me?
or
Will the real slim shady please stand up...
I think he goes here, I think Erica and Bishop roll him
Going, going, gone! You would have to have your head buried very deep in very dark sand not to accept that he is leading National downwards and has been for the last two years at least. If you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen and the ovens haven’t even yet been turned on as far as campaigning goes. It is difficult to understand, given the long history of gaffes and misspeak, how Mr Luxon can convince himself that he is fit for purpose and performing well because it would appear abundantly clear, that the rest of New Zealand does not agree with him. As such a more articulate, personableand conversant leader could not fail to do better.
It was only a matter time. Erica Stanford is my pick. Chris Bishop comes across as goofy.
Simeon for PM! Such persona, a real man of the people
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