Poll shows falling support for NZ PM Luxon and party

A newly released poll shows support for New Zealand’s ruling National Party and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon falling further; Because doubts are growing about whether Luxon can maintain his party’s support to stay at the top.

Luxon has faced questions in recent days about whether he can get his party’s support to remain prime minister.

The New Zealand Herald reported on Friday that National Party members would move against him this week, although this is unlikely to be a formal challenge or vote of confidence initially.

Luxon told Radio New Zealand on Monday that National had the full support of members of parliament and that he would remain prime minister.

A 1News Verian poll released late Sunday showed support for the National Party fell 4 percentage points to 30 percent, showing the current coalition government would not win enough seats to retain power if the election were held today.

Support for Luxon as preferred prime minister also fell by four points to 16 percent. Support for Labor leader and former prime minister Chris Hipkins fell one point to 19 per cent.

The next general election is scheduled to be held on November 7.