Key facts
- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon survived a leadership vote within his National Party caucus.
- Luxon stated he has the full support of his caucus and that the party is united.
- This is the second leadership challenge Luxon has faced since April.
- The vote occurred ahead of a general election scheduled for November 7.
- Recent polling shows Luxon's preferred prime minister rating at a new low.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced he has survived a leadership vote among his National Party lawmakers, just under three months before the general election scheduled for November 7. Luxon called for an "urgent" meeting with his caucus to address "increased speculation about [his] leadership." Following the meeting, he stated he had the "full support" of his caucus and that the party was united and determined to win the election. This marks the second leadership challenge Luxon has faced since April. His party's support has weakened amid sluggish economic growth and recent public remarks by Luxon that drew backlash, including suggestions of a referendum on the electoral system and comments to small business owners. The former Air New Zealand boss led his party to victory in the 2023 elections, vowing to reduce the cost of living and taxes, but his party has seen a decline in opinion polls, with unemployment rising to an 11-year high. A recent poll showed Luxon's preferred prime minister rating at a new low of 17%, though he remains ahead of other candidates.