Chris Penk returns to Parliament following leadership challenge allegations

Tuesday 25 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 25 Aug, 10:26am

In this story Christopher Luxon, Chris Penk

Former National Party minister Chris Penk has returned to Parliament for the first time since being sacked from Cabinet. He declined to confirm or deny Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's claims that Penk led a failed leadership challenge. Penk has also announced he will not stand for Parliament at the next election.

How they headlined it

10:01am

1. NZ HeraldTue 25 Aug, 10:01am

   Chris Penk refuses to confirm, deny whether he launched leadership challenge against Christopher Luxon (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsTue 25 Aug, 10:25am

   'Not rehashing': Penk won't confirm or deny leading coup on Luxon (opens in new tab)

3. StuffTue 25 Aug, 10:26am

   Chris Penk arrives back at parliament - won’t confirm or deny trying to roll PM (opens in new tab)