Two men in suits are shown on a crumpled white background, surrounded by colorful stickers reading “ELECTION 2026” in green, red, yellow, and blue.
Christopher Luxon and Chris Penk (Photos: Getty Images. Composite image: The Spinoff)

PoliticsAugust 12, 2026

As it happened: Luxon survives leadership vote, Penk sacked

Two men in suits are shown on a crumpled white background, surrounded by colorful stickers reading “ELECTION 2026” in green, red, yellow, and blue.
Christopher Luxon and Chris Penk (Photos: Getty Images. Composite image: The Spinoff)

An insane day less than three months out from the election.

The prime minister once again faced a vote on his leadership. This is how it unfolded.