Chris Penk won’t seek re-election after Luxon sacks him over leadership challenge

National MPs will make their way to Parliament this morning to discuss the leadership of Christopher Luxon for the second time in four months.

The “urgent” meeting, set for 9.30am, was scheduled by Luxon after a Herald story published late on Monday night revealed caucus members were hitting the phones to overthrow the National leader.

“There’s going to be change, it’s just a question of who is going to be it,” one MP told the Herald.

It is a parliamentary recess week this week, meaning MPs are scattered throughout the country and will have to return to Wellington to attend the meeting.

Many MPs travelled to Wellington last night; however, some are flying early this morning to make the meeting being held in the National Party caucus room.

The most speculated challengers are Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Education Minister Erica Stanford. Both have previously publicly denied any interest in contesting the leadership.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon flanked by ministers Erica Stanford and Chris Bishop. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A source linked to the National Party told the Herald MP Chris Penk has been involved in a possible leadership challenge on behalf of Stanford, doing her numbers ahead of today’s emergency caucus meeting.

Stanford, questioned by media at Wellington Airport as she arrived for the caucus meeting, did not express confidence in Luxon when directly asked.

Stanford also wouldn’t respond when asked if she was mounting a challenge against Luxon.

Bishop, attending the opening of an Auckland rail project on Tuesday, publicly expressed support for Luxon, saying it was “unhelpful” to have MPs briefing the media.

“All I would say is people shouldn’t be talking to media like that,” he said.

As of Tuesday evening, the Herald was yet to hear from senior ministers Simeon Brown and Louise Upston about whether they had confidence in Luxon.

In a social media post, Luxon said it was his “firm belief that division and disunity are a major distraction only 90 days out from the election”.

“I also believe this distraction is unfair to the New Zealand people, and dedicated National Party candidates, supporters and volunteers, when there is so much at stake.”

He said the issue should be resolved quickly.

Landing in Wellington yesterday afternoon, Luxon refused to answer whether he would resign, nor would he confirm he had the support of his caucus.

“Take care team, I’ll see you tomorrow,” he told reporters at Wellington Airport.

Asked if he was considering resigning, Luxon replied: “Team, I’ll talk to you tomorrow, take care.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrives at Wellington Airport on Tuesday to prepare for Wednesday's snap National Party caucus meeting. Photo / 1News

In April, Luxon initiated a confidence motion in his own leadership during a caucus meeting and was retained as leader. While the vote is typically known to a select few in caucus, several MPs have told the Herald the vote was about 27-22 in favour of Luxon.

Several senior MPs expressed confidence in Luxon yesterday, including deputy leader Nicola Willis and police spokesman Mark Mitchell, who told the Herald that Luxon had his “absolute support and backing” as he denied rumours he was involved in a potential new leadership combination.

Trade spokesman Todd McClay stated he had “confidence in the Prime Minister” but said nothing else. Coromandel MP Scott Simpson made similar comments.

Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd wouldn’t say whether she would support Luxon if a leadership vote was held during today’s caucus meeting, but said she had “absolute confidence in the Prime Minister and the caucus leadership”.

Wedd also wouldn’t address whether she had received calls from potential leadership contenders before today’s meeting.

“We talk to our caucus colleagues all the time.”

MP Tim van de Molen gave one of the most pointed responses of any MP arriving in Wellington. He was asked repeatedly whether he had confidence in Luxon and refused to say that he did.

“I would much rather be back in the Waikato focusing on the issues that matter to Kiwis,” van de Molen said.

Yesterday, Act leader David Seymour wouldn’t speculate on the outcome of today’s meeting but told the Herald “distractions are not what New Zealand needs”.

“We need to cut the waste in Wellington and grow the country, not point the fingers at each other as politicians.”

Asked if National should keep Luxon as leader and Prime Minister, Seymour replied: “Look, I never get involved in another party’s internal politics”.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (left) and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, who has refused to speculate on the outcome of today's National Party caucus meeting. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Seymour suggested National’s turmoil could reflect poorly on the party.

“Well, people are pretty hard up at this point in New Zealand’s history, and I think they want politicians to focus on solving their problems instead of each other.”

However, he believed it would not reflect poorly on the three-party coalition.

“I think people can see that there are three different parties in the coalition and my party has been consistent and effective at serving people, but I can’t speak for others.”

Luxon, Seymour and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters signed coalition agreements after the 2023 election, providing the foundation of the Government’s agenda. It’s understood coalition negotiations did not feature discussion about the consequence of a party leader change.

Asked how he viewed the coalition agreements if Luxon was no longer National leader, Seymour indicated their policy commitments were the most important facet.

“In my view, our coalition agreements are about delivering policy to make New Zealand a better place.

“I don’t want to comment on what they might or might not do, except that it’s the policies and the culture of the party that ultimately matter.”

Peters did not respond to requests for comment. NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones said the matter was “entirely up to the National Party”.