Andrew Bayly resigns over staffer incident

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has resigned after what he calls an “animated discussion” escalated to him placing a hand on a staffer.

Bayly admits he took the discussion “too far” and describes his behaviour as “overbearing” and “inappropriate.”

“I am deeply sorry,” he said in a statement. I have been impatient to drive change in my ministerial portfolios. Last week, I had an animated discussion about work with a staff member.

I took the discussion too far and placed a hand on their upper arm, which was inappropriate.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, in a separate statement, says he accepts Bayly’s resignation and thanks him for his work but stops short of condemning his actions.

This follows a separate incident in October, where Bayly apologized after repeatedly calling a worker a “loser” during a site visit for his former small business portfolio.

Bayly’s resignation is effective immediately, though he will remain MP for Port Waikato to avoid a by-election. He is unlikely to contest the seat in 2026.

Scott Simpson will take over as Minister for ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

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