Several National MPs have called for a focus on issues facing New Zealanders as they arrived at Parliament for a caucus meeting this morning, brushing aside poor polling and speculation about Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
A 1News Verian poll on Sunday recorded National's worst poll result of the term as well as Luxon's lowest preferred PM rating — the latest in a series of polls indicating flagging support for the party and the Prime Minister.
According to the poll, the left bloc of Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori would have 66 seats compared to 58 for the right bloc of National, NZ First and ACT.
National would lose 12 seats on these numbers.
Christopher Luxon spoke to Breakfast’s Tova O'Brien about the latest numbers. (Source: Breakfast)
Luxon acknowledged he and his party needed to lift their performance, but has been adamant his position was not in doubt, telling Breakfast on Monday he had never considered resigning and believed he still had more to achieve as leader.
Asked if he would quit pre-election under any circumstances, he said: "No, because I came to do this job because I want to solve problems and I want to get things done."
He has also played down reports of unrest within his caucus, suggesting yesterday a small number of MPs were frustrated or "moaning", but insisting the vast majority remained focused on delivering the Government’s agenda.
That message was echoed by National's chief whip Stuart Smith, who was absent from caucus today due to what he described as a "longstanding personal appointment".
In a statement provided to media, Smith rejected suggestions he had sought a meeting with the Prime Minister. The NZ Herald reported last week Smith tried and failed to tell Luxon about concerns within caucus.
"I did want to confirm that I did not contact the Prime Minister or his office seeking a meeting," Smith said.
"I am disappointed by recent speculative media coverage. The Prime Minister has my full support."
'100% support' for Luxon - National MPs
Arriving at the Beehive on Tuesday, Senior National MP and Health Minister Simeon Brown said Luxon would have his "100% support" in caucus.
"What we're focused on, and what I'm focused on, is delivering for New Zealanders. That's what they want us focused on. That's what our members want us to be focused on, and that's certainly what we're doing in our support for the Prime Minister."
He pointed to cost of living pressures, the price and availability of fuel, and what he described as the "mess left behind by the previous government".
"What [the media] are focused on is a complete distraction for New Zealanders," he said.
Recently promoted Cabinet Minister Chris Penk echoed those comments, saying internal issues should be dealt with behind closed doors.
"We need to focus on what New Zealanders are most interested in which is not the internal politics of the National Party," Penk said, adding those conversations belong in caucus, not in the media.
"I think it'd be really helpful if we all ensure that we're on the same page, which is the right page, about the things that people actually send us to this place to do."
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey described Luxon as a "good guy" and said National had to focus on issues facing Kiwis.
"It's a difficult job, and quite frankly, we've got to stop talking about ourselves and talking about the real issues, and that's what I support."
National MP Dan Bidois said Luxon was "rock solid" on his numbers.
"We’ll be discussing caucus unity and moving on from that. He’s rock solid with me, he’s rock solid with our colleagues."
Arriving at the Beehive in a Crown car, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said the recent 1News Verian poll was "crap".
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including more weather damage emerges in Wellington, and charges laid after a girl’s body is found in a car boot. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME