New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he survived a leadership vote in his own party

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Wednesday that he survived a leadership vote among his own party lawmakers less than three months before the upcoming election. The vote occurred privately during a hastily convened meeting of Luxon's center-right National Party lawmakers at Parliament in Wellington. After the vote, Luxon emerged flanked by his colleagues to deliver a brief statement and left without answering any questions from the press.

"There was a confidence vote in my leadership this morning at our caucus meeting," Luxon said. "I had the full support of our caucus and our caucus is united and it is determined to win this election." Luxon did not disclose the exact number of votes in favor of him retaining the position, noting that such ballots are typically kept confidential.

This leadership vote marked the second time Luxon had called for a vote on his own leadership since April. The earlier vote came following a dip in polling for the National Party and Luxon's recent public remarks that some party members deemed as gaffes. Luxon addressed the situation on social media on Tuesday, acknowledging renewed calls for his leadership and announcing a meeting with his lawmakers to address the matter.

He emphasized that division and disunity were a major distraction, especially with just 90 days left until the election. Luxon, a former airline executive who joined Parliament in 2000, has been leading the National Party since 2021.