WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon survived a second confidence vote by lawmakers from his center-right National Party on Wednesday, preserving his leadership less than three months before the country’s general election.
The vote followed a closed-door meeting of National lawmakers in Wellington that lasted more than three hours. Luxon said afterward that he had received the full support of the caucus and that the party was united ahead of the Nov. 7 election.
“There was a confidence vote in my leadership this morning at our caucus meeting,” Luxon said. “I had the full support of our caucus and our caucus is united and it is determined to win this election.”
Luxon did not disclose how many lawmakers voted in his favor. Leadership confidence votes are generally conducted by secret ballot.
Leadership Vote Comes Before Election
The latest confidence vote followed several incidents involving Luxon that had raised questions about his political leadership within National.
Earlier this month, Luxon told business leaders that some New Zealand businesspeople had a “parent-child mentality” and depended too heavily on government direction. The remarks drew criticism, including from members of his own party, as the economy continued to face challenges. Luxon later apologized.
He also disclosed that he had used a military aircraft to return to Wellington after attending a political party fundraiser.
Luxon additionally surprised members of his caucus by announcing that a referendum on New Zealand’s electoral system would be held if National wins reelection. The announcement appeared to have been made without first informing other National lawmakers.
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The incidents contributed to renewed scrutiny of Luxon’s leadership as National prepares for the election campaign.
No Public Challenger Emerges
No National lawmaker publicly challenged Luxon before Wednesday’s vote. Politicians whose names were mentioned in speculation about a possible leadership challenge denied plans to seek the position.
Lawmakers who spoke to reporters after the meeting expressed support for Luxon, while the prime minister said the caucus remained united behind him.
Luxon said on social media Tuesday that concerns about his leadership had resurfaced and that he would convene the caucus to settle the issue.
He described internal division as a distraction with the election about 90 days away.
National has led a right-wing coalition government since winning the 2023 election. Luxon, a former airline executive, entered Parliament in 2020 and became National Party leader in 2021.
Luxon Remains National’s Election Leader
The confidence vote leaves Luxon in place to lead National into the Nov. 7 election, although the timing highlights the importance of maintaining unity within the governing party during the final months of the parliamentary term.
Opposition Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins criticized the leadership dispute, arguing that internal conflict within National was creating delays and distractions for the country.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
