The MPs behind National’s failed leadership challenge are mostly members in safe seats, political commentator and Politik editor Richard Harman says.

“You’ve got a group down the bottom of the caucus who know that their careers are going nowhere,” Harman says.

“They don’t care too much if they cause a bit of damage.”

He says the turmoil has left the government looking divided heading into the November 7 election, with National expected to fall to about 25%.

“The only thing that can save the centre-right now, I think, is ACT and New Zealand First.”

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