Christopher Luxon Dodges Poll Discussion as Labour Gains Ground

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has decided not to address the recent negative polling results during today’s caucus meeting. This comes after two separate polls released on Monday indicated a decline in support for his party, the National Party.

The first poll, conducted by the Taxpayers’ Union-Curia, revealed a drop of 2.1 points for the National Party, bringing their support to 31.8%. In contrast, the Labour Party has gained ground, now leading with 33%, just ahead of National. The poll suggests a possibility of a hung Parliament, a scenario that could complicate governance.

In a slightly more optimistic report, the 1 News-Verian poll indicated that the coalition government could still be re-elected based on current numbers. National remained steady at 34%, while Labour’s rise of 4 points signals a tightening race.

Luxon’s approval as preferred Prime Minister is also concerning. His score fell by 3 points to 20%, placing him just one point ahead of Labour’s leader, Chris Hipkins, who now stands at 19%. The current figures mark the lowest rating for an incumbent Prime Minister since Jim Bolger in the 1990s, according to the polling data.

As the political climate shifts, the implications of these polling results could impact both parties’ strategies moving forward. With Labour gaining momentum and the possibility of a hung Parliament looming, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for both the National Party and its rivals.