Green Party list MP Benjamin Doyle has announced they will resign from Parliament, citing personal wellbeing and family as their reasons for stepping away.
In a statement released at 4pm today, Doyle, who was New Zealand’s First Non-Binary MP, said they had been on a “journey of healing” and had realised they could not continue that process while serving in Parliament.
“After having baseless and violent accusations thrown at me, and an onslaught of hate, vitriol and threats of real-world violence directed at me and my whānau, I have decided to move on from Parliament,” Doyle explained.
They added that the decision was also prompted by their child:
“Whānau is the most precious thing in the world. My tamaiti asked me to leave Parliament, and I am leaving for them and for my own wellbeing.”
Doyle confirmed their last day in Parliament will be 3 October, with a valedictory speech planned for 18 September.
Despite the circumstances, Doyle said they would leave Parliament “with pride.”
“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. I will continue to fight for people and planet, just not from inside this House.”
Green Party leadership responds
Green co-leader Marama Davidson reshared Doyle’s statement with a message of support: “Nothing but my aroha and appreciation for you.”
She later added in a written statement: “We support Benjamin prioritising their wellbeing and are grateful for the contribution they have made in Parliament. As a country, we clearly have work to do in making politics a place that is safe for everyone.”
Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick also praised Doyle, describing them as “one of the strongest people I’ve ever met and had the privilege of working with.”
Earlier controversy
Doyle, who became New Zealand’s first non-binary MP in October 2024, faced intense scrutiny earlier this year when social media posts from a private Instagram account surfaced.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters raised concerns about Doyle’s use of the slang term “bussy” in captions, claiming the posts warranted police attention. Doyle maintained the allegations were “baseless and cruel,” saying the phrase was a pop culture pun and never intended in a sexual way.
They acknowledged being “politically naïve” in not deleting the account before entering Parliament, despite the Green Party’s advice.
Replacing Doyle
Doyle entered Parliament after replacing Darleen Tana, who was expelled under the waka-jumping law. Ranked 18th on the Green Party list, Doyle held portfolios including ACC, Māori and Early Childhood, Internal Affairs, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Rainbow Communities.
Their likely replacement is Mike Davidson, next on the party’s list. Davidson, a former Christchurch City Councillor, previously contested the Ilam electorate in the 2023 general election.
