Ex-airline Boss Lands As New Zealand Opposition Leader
Umer Jamshaid Published November 30, 2021 | 10:40 AM
Wellington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Nov, 2021 ) :Former airline boss Christopher Luxon was elected leader of New Zealand's main opposition National Party Tuesday, becoming the party's fifth leader to try to unseat Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Luxon, who was chief executive at Air New Zealand from 2012-19, won a party room vote uncontested after his main rival Simon Bridges withdrew from the contest.
The 51-year-old is a first-term lawmaker who won his Auckland-based seat of Botany at last year's election.
Luxon said New Zealand was "heading in the wrong direction" under Ardern, whose personal popularity remains high in the electorate.
"I came to politics because I know how to solve problems and get things done," he said.
"I have built a career out of reversing the fortunes of under-performing companies and I'll bring that real-world experience to this role.
" He is the fourth National leader in the past two years, replacing Judith Collins, who was ousted last week over her abrasive leadership style.
In appointing an experienced business executive, National hope to repeat the success of former leader John Key, a former Merrill Lynch broker who won three elections for the party and served as prime minister from 2008-16.
National produced its worst-ever result at last year's election and Ardern's Labour Party retains a lead in opinion polls.
Labour and its coalition partners are currently sitting on about 56 percent, with National and its allies just over 40 percent.
Ardern's rating as preferred prime minister is almost 42 percent, down on the 60-percent highs recorded near the last election, but still 30 points higher than her closest rival.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq condoles over the demise ..
Senior Army Commanders visit families of customs' martyrs to condole
Poland-Pakistan corporation established on solid foundations: Polish envoy
Chairman Senate passes ruling to constitute Special Committee of Upper House
Stocks fall as tech shares sink, US economy slows
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
All AJK Inter-varsity Speech Competition urges UNO to ensure early grant of righ ..
AJK CEC calls on President Sultan Chaudhry
Assistant Secretary General of UNDP, Director of Regional Bureau for Asia & Paci ..
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on the rise
IHC suspends notification regarding cut in prices of 'naan & roti'
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
17 days ago