Editorial: The Value of Credibility

But voters do see through obvious gaps in the narrative politicians offer. The most recent example is Christopher Luxon’s claim that he has the full support of his caucus. As he stood there at his brief – no questions – media conference, claiming the weeks of speculation about his leadership style and mishaps was over, it simply lacked credibility. The faces of the people, whom many suspect were behind or at least complicit in the coup, said it all. They looked like stunned mullets, and much of the public aren’t buying into his version of events.

Luxon has always positioned himself as the CEO – like he was at Air New Zealand – and that is an honest and admiral appraisal of his style. A CEO can give orders to staff and expect nothing less than instant obedience and compliance. It could be argued that others such as Helen Clark were seen in something of a similar light. But politics is a bit more organic than corporate life and while a political leader must be strong and decisive, they need to be super sensitive to the egos and aspirations of their own people and country they serve. True leadership is about creating order – not giving orders.

The Luxon leadership saga is not over just because Luxon says it is at a press conference. It is a talking point in the community, and the media is right to highlight this in the same way they should be scrutinising all those in public office.

The National Party knew from the outset that Luxon would run the party ‘corporate style’ and much has been achieved in the past three years. Only after November 7 will we know how credible this modus operandi has been.