# Luxon defends leadership after senior MPs loss

> National leader Christopher Luxon says he's proud of election result despite losing key MPs.
- Title: Luxon defends leadership after senior MPs loss · RNZ
- Summary: National leader Christopher Luxon says he's proud of election result despite losing key MPs.
- Keywords: national party, chris luxon, senior mp loss, election result, opportunity party, coalition negotiations, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/2440697/luxon-defends-his-leadership-after-huge-loss-of-senior-mps
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-08T04:12:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: national party, chris luxon, senior mp loss, election result, opportunity party, coalition negotiations, politics, news
## Luxon defends leadership
National Party leader Christopher Luxon says he's proud of the election result despite losing four senior MPs.
## Election result highlights
Luxon says National has the most seats in Parliament and a pathway to government after global political trends.
## Senior MPs lost
Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop, Paul Goldsmith and Gerry Brownlee left National with 20 ministerial portfolios and the Speakership.
## Coalition negotiations
Luxon says coalition talks will start after final election results on 27 November, with a three-week break for politicians.
## Opportunity party relationship
Luxon says National won't need Opportunity to govern but will build a relationship with them.
## Key takeaway

National Party leader Christopher Luxon defends his leadership after losing four senior MPs in election, saying his party has the most seats and a pathway to government.