Chris Penk's leadership challenge was "totally out of character", Mark Mitchell says
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Mark Mitchell is sorry about the whole situation the National party caucus found itself in.
Christopher Luxon stared down yesterday's challenge to his leadership, coming from Chris Penk.
He's paid the political price, being stripped of his portfolios, before announcing last night he won't run for re-election in November.
Senior colleague Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking Penk's challenge was a surprise.
He says he considers him a friend, and he hasn't had a chance to talk to him about what he was thinking.
Mitchell says any speculation he was involved in a challenge is false – and he was sure Luxon’s supporters were in a strong position.
He says he was quietly confident they had the numbers and that people would realise there was no upside to a coup.
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