David Seymour on division, ‘dropkicks’ and working with Winston
Toby Manhire speaks to the Act Party leader about the treaty principles bill, coalition stability and his working relationship with Winston Peters.
27 Oct 2026
More about the episode
Across 12 years as Act leader, David Seymour has taken the party from 0.5% to two terms with a decent sized caucus and 18 months in the role of deputy prime minister. He goes into the 2026 election presenting as the stable leg of the coalition tripod, but how does that square with the scenes sparked by his treaty principles bill and this new focus on “one law for all”?
In the latest of our leader series for At Large, Seymour tells Toby whether he still thinks people who didn’t get enrolled are “dropkicks”, Epsom and the overhang strategy, how he’s got on working with Winston Peters, whom he once called a “clown”, Adam Smith and Pharmac.
At Large with Toby Manhire is produced by Te Aihe Butler, Bridget Mills and The Spinoff.
