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…
31 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...?
I think all the ex Labour and Nat leaders have done ok. Mostly on Govt or corporate gravy trains.
Funnily enough, the last two that really hung around cause they needed the money were Lange and Muldoon! Not really a fun position to be in
What would Muldoon do? Get pissed and call a snap election.
I believe it was a schnapps election. Well at least it wouldn't give his opponents much time to plan for the election.
Tend to agree. If this is put to bed (again) at some stage surely we need some defamation proceedings from one of the victims to somehow discourage it happening repeatedly. It's just a distraction that the media put on every single election multiple times. Then the party in focus has to waste time and effort addressing it.
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.
My understanding is there is a good chance Bishop doesn't win his electorate and doesn't make the list? In which case his best chance of being re-elected is by rolling Luxon?
Same with Nicola?
Bishop's post election opportunities also not so bright. He's been a pollie or a staffer most of his working life. Otherwise it's back to Philip Morris.
He might as well give the top job a crack
Would they though when National are looking to govern again according to the polls?
There are 90 days to go. It has now become an unavoidable issue that if Luxon carries on with his ever increasing unpopularity and repeated fumbling and faux pas, that he singlehandedly could remove what little advantage the polls are returning presently, for National. How could anybody think he has the capacity to run a convincing and productive election campaign. Quite the opposite I would suggest and if you think the media aren’t going to after him like sharks in a feeding frenzy, then think again and just how he can cope with that wnen he can’t cope now.
When your leader can't manage Q&A with Jack Tame, it will be a tough election campaign.
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
Many of our people never transition to "adult", unfortunately they've long been promised cradle to grave socialism as a lifestyle choice.
So, what do the right-wing call socialism when they promote it, and it is in their favour?
Just how it should be - we being superior and all.
The Person,
That has to be sarcasm surely.
Simeon for PM!
You forgot to add the sarcasm XD
He's a ratty minister who claims credit for much he didn't influence. An example being when he visited the Nelson hospital after the staff kicked up a fuss about a power cut that had everything offline for 20min+ including ventilators, surgery theatres etc. The official response was that it didn't impact critical systems thanks to backup generators, but many I know working there said that was a complete lie to cover managements a$$, and several of the generators are in need of maintenance or are poked, so they couldn't run them. Enter the esteemed Simeon who flew to Nelson for the press, and announced he will approve funding for extra generators, claiming he was being a saviour in a time of need....when in fact the plan was in place for the last 2+ years to add generators (funding already approved) when the new wing was built.
Last time this happened, he came out after and read his statement off a piece of a4. It was like a schoolboy who'd been told to read a written apology.
Cmon Chris, either win or lose this with some pizazz!
Again
It almost seems like he wants to go and being a good corporate soul is following due process.
I have decided to spend more time with family, good bye?
vs
Jacinda - I have no more gas in the tank
I give The Sharks more chance of winning then Luxy winning
Who is National's Adern?
New theory, Erica gets in then immediately culls Bishop. He's too risky hanging around, and it wins her immediate respect as a decisive decision maker .
Then Luxon can stay on as Finance. He'd be better at that than incumbent and better qualified.
You remember the Peter Principle? Promoted just one step too many, you surround yourself with fellow incompetents….aka MAGA
Erica. A personal hero of mine in education.
Making progress in a Wellington designed to stop you.
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