WELLINGTON — New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon survived a leadership confidence vote within his National Party on Wednesday, but the challenge exposed growing divisions in the party less than three months before the November 7 election.
Luxon called the vote after Defence Minister Chris Penk reportedly sought support for a leadership change. Following the vote, Luxon removed Penk from his government portfolios, while Penk announced he would leave politics after the election. The latest challenge was the second test of Luxon’s leadership since April.
The political setback comes as National struggles in opinion polls amid a weak economy, high unemployment and declining support for Luxon. A recent poll placed Labour ahead of National by 30% to 29%, raising pressure on the prime minister to unite his party and strengthen its position before voters head to the polls.
Photo: Reuters
