New Zealand PM survives second leadership challenge ahead of election

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a vote of confidence before a general election due in November, saying he has the “full support” of his ruling National Party.

Luxon had called for an “urgent” meeting with his National Party caucus on Wednesday to address “‌increased speculation about [his] leadership”.

“I have the full support of our caucus… Our caucus is united, and it is determined to win this election,” he told reporters after the meeting which lasted more than three hours.

This was the second challenge to his leadership in four months. Support for Luxon and his party remained weak amid sluggish economic growth and a series of missteps by the leader.

Last week, Luxon drew backlash after suggesting a possible referendum on the country’s electoral system on live radio, without prior consultation with his party colleagues.

Earlier this month, the 56-year-old riled up New Zealand’s business community after a speech calling on small business owners to “be adult”. He said the country’s businesses had a “parent-child mentality” with the central government and relied too often on handouts.

He later apologised and acknowledged many were going through tough times.

The former Air New Zealand boss led his centre-right party to victory in the 2023 elections vowing to bring down the cost of living and reduce taxes.

“My pledge to you is that our government will deliver for every New Zealander,” he said then.

But his party has suffered in opinion polls in recent months as the economy continues to stall, with unemployment rising to an 11-year high of 5.6%.

A 1News Verian poll published on Wednesday morning showed Luxon’s preferred prime minister rating slide to 17% – a new low for his time in office – but he remains ahead of all other candidates included in the poll.

New Zealand will hold its next general election on 7 November.