Green MP Benjamin Doyle Resigns, Delivers Final Speech

Outgoing Green MP Benjamin Doyle is set to deliver their final speech in Parliament this evening, following a sudden resignation amid significant controversy over past social media posts. The speech will be livestreamed at approximately 17:45 local time. Doyle, who identifies with they/them pronouns, announced their departure earlier this month, stating they had been subjected to a barrage of hate and threats.

Doyle’s resignation marks a notable moment in New Zealand politics, as they have recorded the shortest term for any MP who voluntarily left Parliament in the past 125 years, according to an analysis by the Herald. This departure comes just months after Doyle expressed a firm stance against being “disappeared by hate,” initially resisting calls for them to step down in light of their social media activity.

The controversy primarily revolves around older Instagram posts made by Doyle, which included family imagery alongside the phrase “bussy galore.” The term, a portmanteau of “boy” and “pussy,” is used informally to refer to a male’s anus. Some political figures, including Winston Peters, leader of NZ First, questioned the appropriateness of Doyle’s posts. In response, Doyle maintained that the content was not sexual in nature and that they believed their actions were justified.

The backlash from these posts escalated to the point where Doyle received multiple death threats. Authorities confirmed that police were investigating ten reports connected to the situation, with formal warnings issued to four individuals for breaching the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015.

In a heartfelt statement, Doyle indicated that the events surrounding their resignation had necessitated a “journey of healing.” They remarked, “During this time, I have come to the realisation that I cannot complete this journey while in Parliament.” Doyle emphasized the impact of the threats, stating that they were directed not only at them but also at their family, or whānau, which they described as “the most precious thing in the world.”

Doyle explained their decision further, saying, “From the start, I have always said my child is my priority. My tamaiti asked me to leave Parliament, and I am leaving for them and for my own well-being.” They expressed pride in their tenure, affirming, “I leave Parliament with pride, and that is something nobody can take away from me.”

Doyle’s commitment to their constituents was evident as they thanked the communities that supported them during their time in office. They stated, “It was a pleasure and a privilege to represent and work for the communities that carried me here. I am so grateful for their trust and guidance.”

In concluding their remarks, Doyle stressed the importance of a safe and inclusive political environment, declaring, “Our politics, our democracy and our Parliament should be a place for everyone. My time here has shown that we clearly still have work to do. I hope this experience is something that we can all learn and grow from.”

In support of Doyle, Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party, expressed gratitude for their contributions and emphasized the need for a safer political landscape. Davidson stated, “As a country, we clearly have work to do in making politics a place that is safe for everyone.”

As Doyle prepares to leave Parliament, their final speech will undoubtedly resonate with many, highlighting both the challenges faced by public figures in the digital age and the ongoing discussions around inclusivity in political spaces.