Luxon’s leadership on the line – again. Neither National nor Labour stand to benefit
Whatever the outcome at tomorrow’s caucus meeting, Christopher Luxon has been found wanting as a political leader. But so has Labour’s Chris Hipkins.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins are both facing speculation and pressure regarding their leadership positions. Luxon has been criticized for his leadership following a few days of mishaps, including receiving an apology from his National Party counterpart for chastising a business gathering about dependency on government.
Luxon even made an impromptu promise to hold a referendum on the electoral system, which further added to the speculation surrounding his leadership. This has led to comparisons with the fictional David Brent from The Office, and media speculation about a leadership spill has intensified.
Historically, neither party has a strong alternative leader waiting in the wings, unlike Labour in 2017 when it elected Jacinda Ardern as their new leader within seven weeks of polling day. For Luxon, this leaves him with little option but to take the fall at an election, which may not work well for the party. Similarly, Hipkins has also faced criticism and unpopularity as a leader, with recent polls placing him at similar levels as Luxon.
Both leaders are also facing potential vulnerabilities from their coalition partners, with Luxon's leadership compromised by the socially divisive Treaty Principles Bill and Hipkins facing pressure from the Greens and Te Pati Māori to reintroduce a co-governance agenda. Despite all the media speculation and febrile speculation, it is unlikely that a change of leader will lead to a significant shift in the political landscape at this late stage.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
