Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a vote on his leadership after National Party MP Chris Penk challenged him for the leadership of the party.
National Party MPs held a confidence vote at Parliament on Wednesday morning. Luxon later announced that he had received the full support of his caucus.
“Our caucus is united, and it is determined to win this election,” Luxon said.
However, the challenge has caused a major shake-up within the National Party. Penk, who has represented the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate for nine years, was removed from his Cabinet positions after Luxon confirmed that he had launched the leadership challenge. Luxon said Penk’s decision to challenge him meant that his position as a minister was no longer possible.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith will now take over Penk’s former responsibilities, including Defence, Veterans, Space and the country’s intelligence agencies. Later in the day, Penk announced that he would not stand for re-election in November. Penk said he was proud of his time as a minister and that serving his community had been a privilege. However, after talking with his family, he had decided it was time to look for other opportunities.
The leadership challenge comes only four months after National MPs last held a confidence vote in Luxon. The Prime Minister said the Government would now focus on the upcoming election, which is scheduled for 7 November.
Luxon was joined by several senior National Party MPs when he spoke to reporters outside the Beehive. Among those standing behind him were possible future leadership contenders Erica Stanford, Mark Mitchell and Chris Bishop. Luxon said the Government would continue working on its plans for the economy, law and order, education and healthcare.
He ended his short statement by saying the party was “going back to work” and moving forward.
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