Election 2026: National rules out Opportunity party

In the lead-up to the 2026 election, the National Party has decided to distance itself from the Opportunity Party, signaling a strategic shift in its political alignments. This move comes as the government faces ongoing scrutiny over the FamilyBoost rebate scandal, where officials overestimated eligibility, leaving nearly 100,000 families in limbo. This decision reflects National's effort to avoid association with controversial policies and clean up its image ahead of the polls. The implications are significant, as it underscores the importance of public trust and financial accountability in political strategy.