Luxon sacks Penk after failed leadership challenge, Parliament debates the dismissal

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sacked Chris Penk from all ministerial portfolios after Penk's failed leadership challenge, and Paul Goldsmith picked up most of the vacated portfolios. Parliament held an urgent debate on 18 August 2026. Labour leader Chris Hipkins moved the motion, accusing Luxon of double standards — tolerating ministers he called "openly racist" while sacking one for disloyalty.