Andrew Bayly's resignation marks the first under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s administration, raising questions about ministerial conduct.
NZ Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly Resigns After Inappropriate Behaviour
NZ Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly Resigns After Inappropriate Behaviour
Bayly steps down amid criticism over past actions and recent incident with staff member.
Andrew Bayly, New Zealand's commerce minister, has resigned after admitting to inappropriate behaviour during an interaction with a staff member. The incident involved Bayly placing his hand on the employee's upper arm, which he later described as an "overbearing" act. In a statement released Monday, Bayly expressed his regret and acknowledged that what began as an "animated discussion" escalated beyond acceptable bounds. Despite his resignation from the ministerial role, he will continue to serve as a member of parliament.
This resignation follows a previous controversy from October 2022, where Bayly faced backlash for derogatory remarks made towards a winery worker. He had referred to the employee as a "loser" while making an 'L' shape with his fingers on his forehead, which drew public outcry and led to a subsequent public apology.
Bayly stated, "As many of you know, I have been impatient to drive change in my ministerial portfolios," while addressing the recent incident. He confirmed that a complaint had been filed but refrained from disclosing additional details surrounding the occurrence. According to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the incident happened on February 18, and the government's prompt response was both "quick" and "impressive."
However, the Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins criticized Luxon’s handling of ministerial behaviour, suggesting it sets an unacceptably low standard. He argued that the situation should not have lingered over the weekend.
Bayly, who has served as an MP since 2014 as part of the National Party, held multiple ministerial roles before his resignation. Following his departure, Scott Simpson will take over the portfolios of ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Bayly’s resignation is particularly significant as it is the first of its kind under Luxon, a leader whose popularity has faced challenges amid controversy over government policies, particularly concerning Māori rights.
This resignation follows a previous controversy from October 2022, where Bayly faced backlash for derogatory remarks made towards a winery worker. He had referred to the employee as a "loser" while making an 'L' shape with his fingers on his forehead, which drew public outcry and led to a subsequent public apology.
Bayly stated, "As many of you know, I have been impatient to drive change in my ministerial portfolios," while addressing the recent incident. He confirmed that a complaint had been filed but refrained from disclosing additional details surrounding the occurrence. According to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the incident happened on February 18, and the government's prompt response was both "quick" and "impressive."
However, the Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins criticized Luxon’s handling of ministerial behaviour, suggesting it sets an unacceptably low standard. He argued that the situation should not have lingered over the weekend.
Bayly, who has served as an MP since 2014 as part of the National Party, held multiple ministerial roles before his resignation. Following his departure, Scott Simpson will take over the portfolios of ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Bayly’s resignation is particularly significant as it is the first of its kind under Luxon, a leader whose popularity has faced challenges amid controversy over government policies, particularly concerning Māori rights.
