Chris Penk loses ministerial portfolios after Luxon leadership challenge

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has removed Chris Penk's ministerial portfolios."Chris Penk launched a leadership challenge this week, which resulted in today's confidence vote. This makes his role untenable and as such I have removed his portfolios," Luxon said.Paul Goldsmith will pick up the Defence, Veterans, Space, GCSB, and NZSIS portfolios.Simon Watts will become Minister for Building and Construction.Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, Luxon held a press conference where he announced he had survived the second attempt to oust him this year.In an abrupt statement to media, he said he had the full confidence of the National Party caucus before leaving without answering questions."Our caucus is united, and it is determined to win this election," he said."Our focus is on National's positive plan to fix the basics and to build the future, so that we realise the incredible potential that sits in this country, and that we set it up for our kids and our grandkids."He was flanked by senior MPs, including Nicola Willis, Mark Mitchell and Chris Bishop.Standing just behind them was Erica Stanford, who was rumoured to be gunning for the top job.