Strong support for National, led by Christopher Luxon, delivered a significant swing to the right after six years of Labour government
New Zealand Labour leader Chris Hipkins has conceded that his party has lost the election, after a surge in support for the centre-right National party delivered what analysts described as a “bloodbath” for the government.
Speaking at an election night event in Wellington, Hipkins – who became Labour leader in January after Jacinda Ardern’s surprise resignation – said he had called the opposition leader Christopher Luxon to congratulate him on the results.
