New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon survives internal leadership confidence vote amid poll slump

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Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a confidence vote held by his National Party lawmakers after weeks of speculation over his leadership following declining opinion polls. The vote, requested by Luxon himself and conducted in a closed-door caucus meeting, was intended to end internal uncertainty ahead of the November 7 national election.

Luxon said his party had “backed my leadership,” though he did not confirm whether the vote was unanimous. Party deputy leader Nicola Willis said the secret ballot confirmed he retained majority support, with only scrutineers aware of the exact count. The result comes after recent polling suggested weakened support for both Luxon and the governing centre-right coalition, raising concerns about their electoral prospects.

Despite the internal pressure, Luxon dismissed media reports of unrest as speculation and said he would not be drawn into further debate, insisting the focus should remain on governing rather than leadership rumours in the lead-up to the election.