New Zealand PM Luxon faces lawmakers as leadership speculation mounts

WELLINGTON - New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to face National Party lawmakers in Wellington on Aug 12 after he called a meeting he said was to address increased speculation about his leadership months away from a general election.Luxon, who survived a leadership confidence vote in April, has seen support for National remain weak in opinion polls due to sluggish economic growth, and his personal popularity has declined after a series of missteps.“It is clear from various media reports and conversations there is increased speculation about my leadership,” Luxon said in a post on X on Aug 11, adding he had called an urgent, in-person meeting in Wellington at 9:30am (5.30am Singapore time) on Aug 12.National’s support has weakened as the economy struggles, with unemployment at an 11-year high and inflation above the central bank target of 1 per cent to 3 per cent. Most polls show National narrowly trailing Labour, though the Nov 7 election remains close.A 1News Verian poll published on Aug 12 showed Luxon’s preferred prime minister rating fell 1 percentage point to 17 per cent, although he remained ahead of Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins, whose rating also fell 1 point to 15 per cent.Luxon’s leadership returned to the spotlight after a series of public missteps, including comments about a possible referendum on the country’s electoral system, made without consulting party colleagues.Luxon, a former CEO of Air New Zealand, also told a business audience to “be adult” rather than look to the government for help.If National were to replace Luxon as leader, he would also cease to be prime minister.A governing party has not forced out a sitting New Zealand prime minister between elections since 1997.New Zealand media have named Attorney-General, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Education and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford as possible successors to Luxon. REUTERS