Wellington: New Zealand’s Commerce Minister, Andrew Bayly, has resigned from his ministerial positions after admitting to “overbearing” behavior towards a staff member.
The incident, which took place on February 18, involved Bayly placing a hand on the staff member’s upper arm during what he described as an “animated discussion.”
In a statement announcing his resignation, Bayly expressed deep regret, acknowledging that while the discussion was not an argument, he had taken it too far. He confirmed that a complaint had been filed but did not elaborate further. Despite stepping down from his ministerial roles, he will continue serving as a Member of Parliament.
Bayly’s resignation follows a previous controversy in October, when he was criticized for calling a winery worker a “loser,” making an ‘L’ sign on his forehead, and allegedly using an expletive. He later apologized for the incident.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that Bayly resigned on Friday, 21st of Feb, just three days after the February 18 incident. Luxon defended the government’s handling of the situation, calling the response “quick and impressive.”
However, opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticized Luxon’s leadership, saying that the issue should not have been “dragged over the weekend” and calling the Prime Minister’s response “incredibly weak.” Bayly stated that he needed time to consult with his family before making a public statement.
First elected to Parliament in 2014 as a member of the ruling National Party, Bayly held multiple ministerial roles, including Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, Minister of Statistics, and Minister for the ACC (New Zealand’s national injury compensation scheme), which he assumed after a cabinet reshuffle earlier this year.
Following his resignation, Luxon announced that National’s senior whip, Scott Simpson, would take over the ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs portfolios.
Bayly is the first minister to resign voluntarily under PM Luxon’s leadership, which has seen a decline in public approval. Recent polls, indicate that support for the National-led coalition is slipping. The government has also faced criticism over policies perceived as anti-Māori, including the dissolution of the Māori Health Authority and the introduction of a bill that some argue undermines Māori rights.
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