NZ minister resigns for placing hand on staff’s arm
New Zealand Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly “slided his hand” last week and “slided his hand” with a “domineering” behavior.
Bailey said Monday he felt “very regretful” about the incident, which he described as not an argument but a “animated discussion.”
When Bayly left the ministerial position, he remained a member of parliament.
His resignation Monday was criticized last October for calling winery workers “losers” — including putting their fingers on their foreheads — allegedly using experts targeting them.
“It is known that I have been pushing for changes in ministerial portfolios impatiently,” Bayly said in a statement.
“Last week, I discussed an animation discussion about work with a staff member. I put the discussion too far and I put my hands on their upper arms, which was not appropriate.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Bayly resigned last Friday, adding that the incident occurred last Tuesday.
Luxon said the government was “quickly” and “impressive” to deal with the issue within a week.
But Labor leader Chris Hipkins criticized Luxon for being “very weak” in dealing with the issue, saying the issue should not be dragged down over the weekend.
“Christopher Luxon once again sets the railings for ministerial actions that it is almost impossible to overcome it,” he told reporters on Monday.
Bailey himself said he had to talk to his family and that it would have been “would have been difficult” to talk to the media.
Bayly was first elected to the New Zealand Parliament in 2014. Before joining politics, Bayly worked in the finance industry.
Bailey was the first minister to resign under Prime Minister PM Luxon, and his cuteness lowered a record low, according to the polls. 1NEWS-VERIAN poll also shows that his national-led coalition government has lost support among voters.
The government has been under fire for some recent policies that have been seen as anti-Mary by some, including the introduction of a bill that many believe has undermined Maori rights and the dissolution of Maori Health Bureau , The bill was established under the previous Labor government. Try to create greater health equality.
Scott Simpson, the senior whip of the ruling National Party, will take over Bayly as ACC Secretary – National Secretary of Accidental Injury Payroll Programs and Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
