Outgoing Green MP Benjamin Doyle Resigns Amid Controversy

Benjamin Doyle, the outgoing Green MP from New Zealand, is set to deliver their valedictory speech in Parliament this evening, following a sudden resignation amid a significant online backlash. The speech is scheduled to be livestreamed around 5.45pm.

Doyle, who uses they/them pronouns, announced their departure from Parliament earlier this month. This decision comes just months after they publicly stated they would not allow themselves to be “disappeared by hate.” The controversy centers around past Instagram posts that have drawn criticism and resulted in threats against their safety.

According to an analysis by the Herald, Doyle has recorded the shortest term of any MP in the past 125 years who voluntarily left Parliament. Their Instagram posts, which predate their election, included a family image with the phrase “bussy galore.” This term, a combination of “boy” and “pussy,” has raised questions regarding its appropriateness, particularly from figures such as Winston Peters, the leader of NZ First. Doyle has defended the posts, denying any sexual connotation or wrongdoing.

The backlash escalated into a series of death threats directed at Doyle, prompting police involvement. At the time of their resignation, police confirmed they were investigating ten reports related to the threats, with four individuals receiving formal warnings for violations of the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015.

In a statement regarding their resignation, Doyle expressed the need to prioritize their well-being and that of their family, stating, “During this time, I have come to the realisation that I cannot complete this journey while in Parliament.” They described the experience as filled with “baseless and violent accusations” and an “onslaught of hate, vitriol, and threats of real-world violence” directed at them and their family, or whānau.

Doyle emphasized their commitment to their child, 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.” Despite the circumstances, they expressed pride in their tenure: “I leave Parliament with pride, and that is something nobody can take away from me.”

The outgoing MP also noted their intention to continue advocating for communities and environmental issues outside of Parliament. “I am not disappearing. I will continue to fight for people and planet, just not from inside this House,” they stated.

Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party, expressed support for Doyle’s decision. She stated, “As a country, we clearly have work to do in making politics a place that is safe for everyone.” Davidson thanked Doyle for their contributions while calling attention to the need for a safer political environment.

Doyle’s resignation and the surrounding controversy highlight ongoing discussions about the safety and inclusivity of political spaces in New Zealand, indicating that further efforts are needed to create a supportive environment for all representatives.