National Party Plunges Into Leadership Crisis

The emergency caucus meeting of the National Party drags on, with local media suggesting that a challenge to Judith Collins' leadership is on the cards. A press conference with National Party members was originally scheduled for 10:00 NZDT but lawmakers have not yet finished their meeting.

• The leadership crisis in New Zealand's main opposition party was triggered by Collins' decision to strip her predecessor Simon Bridges of all portfolios over allegations of inappropriate comments he made to fellow MP Jacqui Dean five years ago.
• Bridges called Collins' move "truly desperate stuff" and accused her of doing "anything to hold onto" her role in the party. National MP Simon O'Connor (also Bridges' brother-in-law) told Morning Report that he will hand over all his portfolios if Collins does not step down today.
• Several unidentified senior National members speaking to Stuff expressed displeasure with Collins' decision and threatened to resign if there is no change at the party's helm. In general, few lawmakers appeared to be willing to comment on the matter on record.
• NZ Herald reported that a vote of no confidence in Collins has been called by party caucus, with Mark Mitchell and Christopher Luxon understood to be the candidates to replace her.
• It is unclear when National MPs will emerge from their meeting to announce if Collins is still their leader.