Christopher Luxon retains National Party leadership after confidence vote

Wednesday 12 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 7 reports · updated Wed 12 Aug, 1:19pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, National Party, Chris Penk

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a National Party caucus confidence vote, declaring he has the full support of his party. Following the meeting, Luxon sacked minister Chris Penk for launching a leadership challenge, with Penk announcing he will not seek re-election.

How they headlined it

1:06pm

1. 1NewsWed 12 Aug, 1:06pm

   Luxon wins National Party confidence vote, will remain PM (opens in new tab)

   • PM wins leadership vote after challenge fails, Penk won't seek re-election (opens in new tab) Wed 12 Aug, 1:06pm
   • PM wins leadership vote after challenge fails, minister sacked (opens in new tab) Wed 12 Aug, 1:06pm
   • Luxon wins confidence vote, claims his caucus is united (opens in new tab) Wed 12 Aug, 1:06pm
   • Full statement: Luxon survives caucus showdown - 'United' (opens in new tab) Wed 12 Aug, 1:19pm
2. NewsroomWed 12 Aug, 1:08pm

   Luxon clings on as PM after surviving second confidence vote (opens in new tab)

3. StuffWed 12 Aug, 1:18pm

   What PM Luxon said in 75-seconds speech after National Party caucus leadership confidence vote (opens in new tab)