New Zealand's Luxon calls meeting of lawmakers to address leadership speculation

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has convened an urgent in-person meeting of National Party lawmakers for Wednesday, seeking to quell growing speculation about his leadership. The move comes less than three months before a general election, with calls for a change in leadership reportedly emerging from within the party.

Luxon acknowledged the increased speculation in a post on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "It is clear from various media reports and conversations there is increased speculation about my leadership." The meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in Wellington on Wednesday.

The spotlight on Luxon's leadership has intensified following a series of public missteps. Last week, he controversially stated his openness to a referendum on the country's electoral system without prior consultation with his party colleagues. He also faced criticism for telling a business audience that companies needed to be more self-reliant rather than seeking government assistance.

Luxon, who became prime minister in late 2023, leads a coalition government. However, National's support has reportedly weakened amid economic challenges. Unemployment rose to 5.6% in the June quarter, the highest in nearly 11 years, and annual inflation remains above the central bank's target range. Opinion polls suggest the National Party is narrowly trailing the center-left Labour Party.

This is not the first time Luxon's leadership has been questioned. He survived a confidence vote in April amid earlier media speculation. If the National Party were to replace its leader, Luxon would also lose his position as prime minister, a rare occurrence in New Zealand politics. Media reports have suggested lawmakers Chris Bishop and Erica Stanford as potential successors.

“

It is clear from various media reports and conversations there is increased speculation about my leadership.