Minister Andrew Bayly says he was not drunk when he insulted worker

The man’s complaint was released by Luxon’s office on Friday, alleging Bayly insulted and mocked him during a ministerial visit this month.

Bayly, who holds several ministerial portfolios, allegedly harassed the man for working late, telling him to “have some wine… and fuck off” and repeatedly calling him a “loser”.

The complainant also alleged that Bayly looked like she had been drinking. He said the interaction left him “degraded, embarrassed and deeply disrespected.” Bayly denied being drunk and also did not remember swearing.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking this morning that these were “the standards” he expected from his minister.

“He thought he was making lighthearted comments and jokes and he was clearly wrong and unintentionally made someone feel very hurt and insulted. He apologized and assured that this behavior would not happen again.

Luxon claimed Bayly did not know the person he was speaking to.

“He caused harm and insults, he admitted he apologized, he is genuine.”

Luxon said Bayly offered to meet the man he swore to apologize to in person.

At his post-Cabinet press conference yesterday, Luxon reiterated that Bayly had apologized “as fully as possible” and that he was “mortified” by the offense taken.

Although the incident occurred this month, Luxon was only informed of it on Thursday. Luxon claimed this was because Bayly had thought the matter was resolved after twice writing to the complainant asking him to apologise.

However, last week the complainant emailed his concerns to several recipients, including opposition MPs, prompting Luxon to take action.

It is understood Labor who received the complainant’s email read it but later discovered it had been marked as spam.

When asked about it, Luxon said it was the first time he had heard of it. He said his staff would not have been involved and promised to look into the matter.

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