New Zealand First leader Winston Peters refuses to say whether he still supports the prime minister in light of a recent attempt within National to overthrow him.<\/p>\n
Given repeated opportunities to declare confidence in Christopher Luxon on Tuesday, Peters instead referred the question back to the National Party.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Peters later clarified to RNZ that New Zealand First continued its steadfast support of the coalition.<\/p>\n
The exchange came after a Herald Now interview on Tuesday, in which Peters expressed doubt at claims the recent leadership challenge was a “one-man coup”.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been in politics for a long time, but for the first time, I saw a one-man coup… if you can believe that,” Peters said, laughing.<\/p>\n
Heading into the debating chamber later that day, Peters said his remark had been made “more in jest than in fact”.<\/p>\n
“Look, that’s yesterday,” he said. “That’s last week, that’s another political party.<\/p>\n
“I lead a giant, dynamic movement called New Zealand First on the rise. Talk to me about our future.”<\/p>\n
Asked whether he maintained confidence in the prime minister given last week’s events, Peters paused and then replied: “I don’t understand your question.”<\/p>\n
Given another opportunity, Peters said such questions should instead be put to the National Party.<\/p>\n
“No, no, I’m not a member. I’m not a member.<\/p>\n
“I’m the only guy the National Party ever expelled, right, and all these years, they’ve been regretting it, so go and ask them.”<\/p>\n
Reminded that he was a minister in Luxon’s cabinet, Peters walked away from reporters.<\/p>\n
In total, Peters was asked five times whether he had confidence in Luxon.<\/p>\n
Posed the same question, New Zealand First minister Shane Jones directed reporters to ask Peters instead.<\/p>\n
“Only one person talks for the New Zealand First Party on matters of coalition management and that is my leader.”<\/p>\n
Peters denies breaching Cabinet collective responsibility on harbour crossing<\/p>\n