Luxon Faces Urgent Meeting Over Leadership Speculation

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called an urgent meeting of National Party lawmakers to address growing speculation about his leadership, less than three months before a general election.

The meeting will take place in Wellington on Wednesday at 9:30am, after reports emerged that some lawmakers were considering a leadership change. Luxon acknowledged the speculation, saying 'It is clear from various media reports and conversations there is increased speculation about my leadership.'

Luxon's leadership has been under scrutiny following a series of public missteps, including a comment on a live radio interview where he said he was open to a referendum on the country's electoral system without discussing it with party colleagues. He also faced criticism for telling a business audience that companies needed to 'be adult' rather than rely on government help.

The National Party formed a coalition government with New Zealand First and ACT after the 2023 election, but its support has weakened as the economic recovery struggled to gain momentum. Unemployment rose to 5.6% in the June quarter, its highest level in nearly 11 years, while annual inflation was 4.1%, above the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's target range.