As David Seymour prepares to assume the Deputy Prime Minister role again on May 31, New Zealand faces the prospect of leadership marked by questionable judgment and divisive policies from the ACT Party leader. Seymour’s track record suggests he’s ill-equipped to steer New Zealand through troubled waters, especially when acting as Prime Minister in Christopher Luxon’s absence.A History of Missteps
Seymour’s handling of complex issues has often been dismissive and polarizing. Take the Treaty Principles Bill: 90% of written submissions opposed it, and the largest Hīkoi in New Zealand’s history protested its implications. Yet, Seymour claimed the Hīkoi didn’t represent New Zealanders, while his party, with just 8.64% of the party vote in 2023, somehow does. This disconnect highlights his struggle to acknowledge reality and his inability to engage with public sentiment.
The Atlas Network operative's disregard for public opposition to his policies is equally troubling. Despite only 0.3% of submissions supporting his Regulatory Standards Bill, Seymour dismissed critics as influenced by “off-topic” social media, pushing forward with a policy many political commentators have correctly labeled “unpopular” and “out of touch.” Similarly, his sarcastic suggestion that the Green Party report death threats to the Mongrel Mob escalated tensions rather than defusing them, showcasing a reckless approach to sensitive issues...Parliamentary standards be damned!
Seymour’s cultural missteps also raise concerns. His claim that Jesus would support ACT was rebuked by Christian leaders for oversimplifying complex theological issues, alienating faith communities. Additionally, his proposal to slash ministerial portfolios, including those created by Luxon, risks coalition stability and reflects an ideological drive that prioritises cuts over collaboration. These actions paint a picture of a leader more focused on provocation and personal agenda than on uniting New Zealand.
In November 2024, RNZ quoted Seymour on the Hīkoi:
"There will always be people who are out there making a lot of noise.
"I think at the end of the day the overwhelming majority of New Zealanders are at work, going to school, and they'll be able to engage in this debate in their own way.
"So you wouldn't want to take this hikoi as being representative of New Zealand."
Seymour’s history of inflammatory comments further undermines his suitability for high office. In 2023, he “joked” about bombing the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, raising again the prospect of having an openly racist Politician in charge of New Zealand. More recently, he hysterically suggested China might "bomb" New Zealand during their 2025 Navy drills in the Tasman Sea…a reckless claim showing his diplomatic inexperience. Seymour has since deleted his idiotic anti-Chinese tweets that could have soured our international relation with our largest trading partner.
These gaffes aren’t just embarrassing; they signal a leader prone to impulsive, divisive rhetoric rather than measured and thought out solutions. His policies often reflect libertarian ideals that prioritise corporate interests over everyday Kiwis. His statements regularly bring Parliament in disrepute and alienate voters.
A Weak Mandate
ACT’s 8.64% vote share in 2023 translates to roughly 246,000 votes. That’s just 6.86% out of 3.58 million enrolled voters. Compared to larger parties’ broader mandates, Seymour’s elevation to Deputy PM feels less like merit and more like a byproduct of opaque coalition deals. Luxon may call the role “ceremonial,” but when Seymour acts as PM, his influence is far from trivial. His push for deregulation and ACT’s controversial stance on Māori issues risk escalating tensions and undermining New Zealand’s international reputation.
Tone-Deaf Leadership
Seymour’s recent X post exemplifies his approach:
.@chrishipkins may have forgotten his performance as Minister for COVID-19 Response, but we haven’t. pic.twitter.com/evc1DYkQlc
— David Seymour (@dbseymour) May 26, 2025
This tweet ignores the Labour government’s globally praised COVID-19 response, which saved thousands of lives. Such tone-deaf attacks further erode Seymour’s credibility as a unifying leader who is willing to let bygones be bygones. Instead, he's still trying to inflame anti-vax protestors to march on Parliament and burn playgrounds to the ground.
Why New Zealand Deserves Better
Handing Seymour the Deputy PM role, despite ACT’s limited support, raises questions about democratic fairness. New Zealand needs a deputy who can unite, not divide, and who commands a mandate reflecting broad public interests. Seymour’s tenure risks more chaos in an already fragile coalition, with statements and policies that inflame tensions and prioritise narrow interests over the common good.
As Seymour steps into the Deputy PM role again, New Zealanders should brace for more divisive stunts and questionable decisions. We can only hope that there is no emergency situation that requires a level headed approach while Seymour's in charge. New Zealand deserves better...a deputy who can unite, not divide, and who commands a mandate reflecting real public support. Seymour’s not that leader, and his tenure as Deputy PM will likely bring more chaos to a government that's already highly dysfunctional.
