Green MP Benjamin Doyle Resigns Amid Controversy, Delivers Speech

Benjamin Doyle, the outgoing Green MP, is set to deliver their valedictory speech in the New Zealand Parliament this evening, following their unexpected resignation amid a social media controversy that led to death threats. The speech will be livestreamed at approximately 17:45 local time, allowing the public to witness this significant moment.

Doyle, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, announced their decision to leave Parliament earlier this month. This resignation comes months after they expressed a determination not to be “disappeared by hate” and indicated they had not contemplated stepping down despite scrutiny over their past social media activity. An analysis by the Herald revealed that Doyle had the shortest tenure of any MP in the past 125 years who voluntarily left Parliament.

The controversy arose from old Instagram posts made prior to Doyle’s election, which included an image featuring them and their child alongside the phrase “bussy galore.” This slang term, a blend of “boy” and “pussy,” refers to male anatomy and sparked questions about appropriateness, particularly from figures such as Winston Peters, the leader of NZ First. Doyle has consistently denied any sexual connotation associated with the posts and maintained they did not engage in any wrongdoing.

In their resignation statement, Doyle revealed the impact of the backlash on their personal safety, stating that they had received death threats, some of which required police intervention. At the time of the resignation, police reported having ten investigations underway and issued formal warnings to four individuals for violations under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015.

Reflections on Their Tenure

In their speech, Doyle reflected on their time in Parliament, emphasizing a personal journey of healing. “During this time, I have come to the realisation that I cannot complete this journey while in Parliament,” they stated. The outgoing MP highlighted the intensity of the accusations and threats they faced, describing them as baseless and violent.

“My whānau are the most precious thing in the world,” Doyle continued, revealing that their child had asked them to leave Parliament. “I am leaving for them and for my own well-being. I leave Parliament with pride, and that is something nobody can take away from me.”

Doyle expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent their community, stating that they felt privileged to serve. “I will continue to fight for people and planet, just not from inside this House,” they affirmed, underscoring a commitment to remain active in advocacy outside of Parliament.

Party Support and Calls for Change

Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party, expressed support for Doyle’s decision, stating that prioritizing well-being is crucial. Davidson acknowledged the need for systemic change, remarking, “As a country, we clearly have work to do in making politics a place that is safe for everyone.”

Doyle’s resignation has sparked broader conversations about the safety and inclusivity of political spaces, particularly for marginalized individuals. Their experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those in public office and highlights the ongoing need for progress in creating a supportive environment for all representatives.

As Doyle prepares to leave Parliament, they leave behind a legacy of resilience and advocacy, emphasizing that while they are stepping away from this platform, their commitment to social justice and community engagement remains unwavering.