Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a second vote of confidence within his party, securing the full backing of the National caucus ahead of a November general election.
Luxon called for an "urgent" meeting with his caucus on Wednesday to address growing speculation about his leadership. The session, which lasted over three hours, ended with a statement that the caucus was united and determined to win this election.
Despite this internal stability, Luxon’s popularity has weakened. Blazing headlines warn of sluggish economic growth, an 11‑year high in unemployment at 5.6%, and a series of missteps that have rattled public support.
In late September, Luxon stirred controversy by suggesting a possible referendum on New Zealand’s electoral system during a live radio interview, without consulting his party first. Earlier in the month, he criticised small business owners for being too dependent on government handouts, calling for a "parent-child mentality" between the state and private enterprise. He later issued an apology, acknowledging that many businesses are in tough times.
Since taking office, Luxon's National Party has pledges to slash living costs and reduce taxes, citing a 2023 electoral victory where he promised "our government will deliver for every New Zealander." Yet new polls from 1News Verian show his preferred prime minister rating dropping to 17%, a new low for the tenure of his office—though he remains ahead of other candidates in the survey.
As the nation heads toward the next general election on 7 November, the spotlight remains on Luxon’s ability to balance party unity, economic challenges, and public expectations. Whether the National Party can reverse the trend and secure a decisive victory remains to be seen.
