By Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has retained the National Party leadership after the caucus voted in support of him during a three‑hour meeting at Parliament today.
Luxon delivered a brief statement afterwards, saying speculation about his leadership was “now closed”. He took no questions and said he would not take part in what he described as a “media soap opera”.
National MPs leaving the meeting confirmed Luxon remained leader but did not disclose details of the vote, citing caucus confidentiality.
The confidence motion followed a turbulent morning at Parliament, including senior whip Stuart Smith’s absence from caucus due to what he called a longstanding personal appointment, and Luxon avoiding media ahead of the meeting — a departure from his usual Tuesday routine.
Weeks of speculation about Luxon’s position have been fuelled by poor polling and a report last week in the Herald claiming multiple National sources believed Smith had attempted to raise concerns with Luxon about caucus support. Smith denied the report today.
Luxon had signalled the meeting would include a message about unity and discipline following recent leaks.
Journalists waiting outside received few updates, though Speaker and senior National MP Gerry Brownlee made a rare appearance in the meeting — a sign a vote was likely taking place.
Outside the National caucus, NZ First leader Winston Peters said there would be “consequences” for Luxon’s decision to call a confidence vote. Peters described it as “a very bad move”, adding that “there’s always an inevitable consequence”.
