Andrew Bayly, New Zealand’s Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, has resigned after he “placed a hand” on a staff member’s arm during a heated discussion, an action he says was “inappropriate.”
The incident took place during a workplace conversation among multiple staff members, as Bayly explains he had been “impatient to drive change in my ministerial portfolios.”
This is the second complaint that Bayly has received about his conduct.
In October 2024, he reportedly called a worker at a small winery business a “loser” and formed an “L” shape on his forehead during a ministerial visit.
The worker alleged that Bayly was intoxicated at the time of this incident, which Bayly has denied.
Bayly has issued apologies for his behaviour. He has been replaced by Scott Simpson, former CEO of Make-A-Wish New Zealand.
Upon news of his resignation, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked Bayly for his hard work. He will remain a Member of Parliament under the conservative leadership.
Labour MP Chris Hipkins has criticised Luxon’s lack of leadership and timely action, saying that he has “set the bar for ministerial behaviour so low” and should have sacked Bayly “months ago.”
“Andrew Bayly (cropped)” by New Zealand National Party is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.