New Zealand's Luxon survives confidence vote after more leadership speculation

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced he has won a confidence vote from his ruling National Party caucus, seeking to quell mounting speculation about his leadership just months before a general election. Luxon confirmed the vote took place during an urgent, in-person caucus meeting in Wellington on Wednesday.

"There was a confidence vote in my leadership this morning at our caucus meeting and I have the full support of our caucus," Luxon stated briefly after the meeting. This marks the second time Luxon has faced a confidence vote, having survived a similar challenge in April.

Support for the National Party has weakened in opinion polls, largely attributed to sluggish economic growth. Unemployment has reached an 11-year high, and inflation remains above the central bank's target range. Most polls indicate the National Party is narrowly trailing the opposition Labour Party, although the election on November 7 is expected to be close.

Luxon's leadership has been under scrutiny following a series of public missteps. These include comments about a potential referendum on the country's electoral system, which were made without consulting party colleagues. Additionally, he advised a business audience to "be adult" rather than rely on government assistance. A recent 1News Verian poll showed Luxon's preferred prime minister rating dropped one percentage point to 17 percent, though he still leads Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins, whose rating also fell one point to 15 percent.

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There was a confidence vote in my leadership this morning at our caucus meeting and I have the full support of our caucus.