Luxon Rejects Leadership Coup Rumors as Senior MPs Rally Support

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon maintains he has full caucus support as senior National MPs Chris Bishop and Nicola Willis move to douse leadership rumors.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 3:48 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Denial of "Warning" from Party Whip

Luxon flatly denied a front-page report in the NZ Herald claiming that National's whip, Stuart Smith, attempted to warn him of a caucus revolt before the Easter break.

Luxon’s Stance: The Prime Minister called the report "just wrong," noting he had spent a full day traveling with Smith in North Canterbury without the issue being raised.

Conflicting Reports: A Beehive source contradicted the Prime Minister, telling RNZ that Smith did indeed attempt to contact Luxon regarding caucus concerns, leaving the next few days in a state of political uncertainty.

Front-Benchers Line Up to Support

In a coordinated display of unity, several high-profile National MPs addressed the speculation on Friday: