Christopher Luxon has been elected Leader of the New Zealand National Party, alongside Nicola Willis as Deputy Leader.
The decision was made at Caucus today after challenger and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges pulled out of the running.
'It is a tremendous privilege to lead our great party, and I thank my colleagues for the confidence they have placed in me,” says Luxon.
'I'm delighted the Caucus has elected Nicola Willis as Deputy Leader. She will do an incredible job and we will be a formidable team.”
In a statement on social media, Bridges backs Luxon as the man to lead the National Party.
'He will make a brilliant National leader and Prime Minister,” says Bridges.
Luxon takes over from Judith Collins, who left in chaotic fashion last week, after demoting Bridges the previous evening.
Nicola Willis will be Deputy Leader. Supplied photo.
The former Air New Zealand CEO says that a united National Party is now needed.
'The unified National Party that Nicola and I lead will work every day to represent all New Zealanders, earn back their trust and confidence, and deliver for them,” says Luxon.
'Now, more than ever, New Zealand needs the National Party to offer them hope, ambition and drive to meet the challenges of the coming decade.”
Luxon says he is committed to providing a government of action.
'I came to politics because I know how to solve problems and get things done,” says Luxon.
'I have built a career out of reversing the fortunes of under-performing companies and I'll bring that real-world experience to this role.
'We are the new National Party that New Zealand needs.”
5 comments
Inexperienced?
Posted on 30-11-2021 18:10 | By Slim Shady
This bloke has 20 odd years working at the helm of real world business. Better than somebody who did a tinpot degree and kissed Tony “liar” Blair’s backside for a couple of years whilst calling everyone Comrade. The Commies will be in overdrive now.
This Is Great
Posted on 30-11-2021 20:52 | By Yadick
However I hope Willis has been elected by caucus as the best person for the job and not just because they appear to be doing the right thing by putting a female into a top position. I guess only time will tell and I wish them both every success. This will hopefully be Nationals about turn. I can see Luxon as Prime Minister but I would've thought Bridges as Deputy. Rise up National.
Hmmm
Posted on 30-11-2021 20:57 | By Let's get real
I'm imagining the sleazy backroom offices burning the midnight oil trying to dredge up mud to sling. I find it disgusting, the amount of parliamentary time, that is funded by taxes, that is wasted staging petty personal attacks rather than using their time improving the lives of their fellow countrymen. How long before we see a leaked memo or an inappropriate private text from twenty years ago...?
Now
Posted on 01-12-2021 06:49 | By Merlin
Now John Key has got his man let's hope he is not pulling to many strings from outside Parliament.
Early Days.
Posted on 01-12-2021 12:40 | By morepork
And I share a little of Let's Get Real's skepticism. Nevertheless, it is a good result and we'll have to see how it goes...
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