Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
National's Stuart Smith Denies He Tried To Alert Christopher Luxon To Flagging Caucus Support
Craig McCulloch, Deputy Political Editor
National's chief whip Stuart Smith has finally addressed media at Parliament, denying reports that he had tried to alert the Prime Minister to flagging caucus support prior to Easter.
The public denial comes after a similar written statement was issued on Tuesday, four days after the story was first reported by the New Zealand Herald.
Before that, Smith had repeatedly refused to talk to media. He was also absent from National's critical caucus meeting on Tuesday due to a "long-standing personal appointment". During that meeting, Luxon called and won a motion of confidence in his leadership.
Speaking on Wednesday, Smith insisted that at no point had he attempted to contact Christopher Luxon about discontent in the caucus.
He also denied ever being handed a letter to pass on to Luxon regarding his support.
Smith declined, however, to say whether any MPs had ever raised concerns with him about Luxon's leadership.
"I don't discuss anything that goes on with caucus members and the whips' office. That's totally confidential," he said.
"People come to me with lots of things, and they are between me and them."
Asked why he did not publicly deny the NZ Herald report until Tuesday morning, Smith said: "I didn't feel it was appropriate."
He said he also did not feel as if he needed to contact Luxon directly, but revealed he had spoken to his chief of staff Cameron Burrows on Friday.
Smith refused to reveal the nature of that conversation: "That remains between him and I".
Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Luxon said he retained "total confidence" in Smith as chief whip.
Asked for further comment, Luxon cut off questions: "If you want to talk about things outside the beltway that actually connect to New Zealanders and what's interesting to them, rather than what may be interesting to you in the beltway and the bubble of Wellington, let's have that conversation."
Smith's written statement on Tuesday was issued by the Prime Minister's office.
"I did want to confirm that I did not contact the Prime Minister or his office seeking a meeting," the statement said.
"I am disappointed by recent speculative media coverage. The Prime Minister has my full support."
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Gordon Campbell: On Pauline Hanson’s Rise, And The TOP Renaissance
Inland Revenue: Watch Out For Scammers This Tax Season
WIOG NZ: Australia Beats New Zealand To Win The Trans-Tasman Best Tasting Tap Water Title
Hapai Te Hauora: New Online Gambling Laws Could Grow Harm While Claiming To Reduce It
New Zealand Alliance Party: Alliance Party Firmly Opposes “Backdoor Privatisation” Of Kiwibank
Taxpayers' Union: New Poll - Coalition Still Ahead; Luxon Regains 'Preferred Prime Minister' Top-Spot
NZ National Party: Judith Collins’ Valedictory Speech
