Christopher Luxon retains National Party leadership after unsuccessful challenge

Thursday 13 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 13 Aug, 12:23pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, National Party, Chris Penk

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived a leadership challenge from Defence Minister Chris Penk following a caucus meeting in Wellington. Following the unsuccessful bid, Penk announced he will leave Parliament at the November election after being stripped of his ministerial portfolios.

How they headlined it

4h

7:39am8:29am12:23pm

1. StuffThu 13 Aug, 7:39am

   How National’s secret vote works after Chris Penk’s failed leadership bid (opens in new tab)

   • Luxon survives, Penk exits, and the memes write themselves (opens in new tab) Thu 13 Aug, 12:23pm
2. 1NewsThu 13 Aug, 8:29am

   Watch: Chris Bishop grilled on National's leadership drama (opens in new tab)