Christopher Luxon has survived another confidence vote, but the failed leadership challenge has exposed a government under strain, a deeply unpopular political class and an electorate increasingly underwhelmed.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has just survived a coup attempt partially engineered by … himself. Confusion reigns in the capital after Luxon staggered out of the caucus room bloodied but still standing after Defence Minister Chris Penk launched a challenge. His MPs were ‘unified’ behind him, Luxon said, shortly before sacking Penk. Other ministers named in the putsch ran for cover this morning denying any involvement despite leaks to the contrary. “Penk was working for himself,” MP Chris Bishop, named by some as a co-conspirator, told journalists.

The NZ National Party have a long, proud history of efficiently decapitating leaders who have passed their use-by dates. The Minister of Defence left without firing a shot and last night announced that he was standing down from Parliament.

New Zealand is still three months out from the elections, and now would have been an ideal time to fire the gaffe-prone Luxon. At best, it may have been decided to wait till after the........

© Pearls and Irritations