Auckland (The NZ Today)
National MPs are now behind closed doors in Wellington for the urgent caucus meeting called by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to settle growing questions over his leadership.
Most MPs had entered the caucus room ahead of the meeting, with 1News reporting that a large banner had been put up to block the media’s view inside. What is being discussed — and whether Luxon’s support will be formally put to a vote — has not been publicly confirmed.
The meeting comes after 1News reported that some senior National MPs had been considering whether Luxon should be asked to step aside following a series of political “own goals”.
Attention is now firmly on whether any MP directly challenges Luxon and, if so, whether a leadership vote follows. Erica Stanford, Chris Bishop and deputy leader Nicola Willis have all been discussed publicly as possible alternatives if the leadership becomes vacant, although no confirmed challenger has emerged.
Most MPs speaking before the meeting publicly backed Luxon, but not everyone gave an unequivocal endorsement. Joseph Mooney declined to say whether he supported the Prime Minister, saying it was “a matter for caucus”.
Adding to the pressure, the latest 1News Verian poll has Luxon at just 17 percent as preferred prime minister, although he remains ahead of Labour leader Chris Hipkins on 15 percent.
As of now, the key question is simple: will National MPs walk out united behind Luxon, or will the closed-door meeting produce a leadership contest only 90 days before the election?
This story is based on live reporting first published by 1News.
