New Zealand opposition National Party elects fifth leader

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New Zealand opposition National Party elects fifth leader

The main opposition National Party in New Zealand has elected its fifth leader in four years, choosing newcomer Christopher Luxon to restore its support and take on Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

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Luxon, a former Air New Zealand chief executive, was elected by the National Party members of parliament at a caucus meeting Tuesday in Wellington, the party said in a statement. Nicola Willis was elected deputy leader.

Luxon said it was a great privilege to lead our great party, and I thank my colleagues for the confidence they have placed in me. The National Party that Nicola and I lead will work every day to represent all New Zealanders, earn back their trust and confidence, and deliver for them. Luxon was appointed after Judith Collins was removed from the job last week and his rival for the role, Simon Bridges, withdrew from the contest earlier today. Support for Ardern's ruling Labour Party has been bolstered by the fact that ongoing divisions within the party have seen it drop in opinion polls.

Luxon, 51, is politically inexperienced, having entered parliament only a year ago. He had a successful career with Unilever Plc before taking over the reins of Air New Zealand in 2012.

He left the airline in 2019 just months before the pandemic decimated the travel industry, to campaign for the Auckland seat of Botany in last year s general election.

Luxon said that I came to politics because I know how to solve problems and get things done. I have built a career out of reversing the fortunes of under-performing companies and I will bring that real-world experience to this role. None of the Wildfires Are Worse, and One Chemical Company is Reaping the Benefits.