MP Forced to Back Down from Accusing Prime Minister of Lying in Parliament

A New Zealand Green Party MP, Chloe Swarbrick, has been compelled to retract her claim that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had lied to parliament regarding the government’s actions on climate change. Calling an MP a liar in parliament is against Standing Orders, which govern MPs’ behavior. Failure to withdraw and apologize could have resulted in Swarbrick being referred to the Privileges Committee.

Chloe Swarbrick: A Rising Star in the Green Party

Chloe Swarbrick is widely regarded as one of the Green Party’s most capable MPs and a potential future leader. She is only the second Green MP to win an electorate seat, and she achieved this without needing a deal with the Labour Party. Swarbrick’s victory in Auckland Central, a seat that former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern twice failed to secure, highlights her political prowess.

At 28 years old, Swarbrick is no longer the youngest MP in the House. This distinction now belongs to fellow Green MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, who, at 21 years old, became the youngest MP to enter New Zealand’s parliament in 170 years.

Accusation Raises Concerns

The accusation made by Chloe Swarbrick was not directly addressed to the Prime Minister but was picked up by microphones during Question Time on December 13. ACT leader David Seymour raised a point of order with Speaker Gerry Brownlee over Swarbrick’s accusation. Although Brownlee had not heard the statement himself, he suggested that Swarbrick consider withdrawing and apologizing.

Referring to Standing Orders, which are based on previous speakers’ rulings, Brownlee emphasized that calling a member a liar is always out of order. He warned that failure to withdraw such a statement would have consequences.

Clarification and Apology

In response, Swarbrick clarified her statement, stating that she was referring to the content of the government’s policies and not directly calling the Prime Minister a liar. Speaker Brownlee acknowledged her position and stated that others would make their own judgments based on the Hansard record.

However, Swarbrick later acknowledged that she may face disciplinary action for her statement. She emphasized the importance of telling the truth as parliamentarians and expressed her willingness to face any consequences necessary to keep the focus on the climate crisis.

A week later, Swarbrick made a personal explanation to parliament, apologizing for any personal reflection on the Prime Minister. She clarified that her intention was to challenge the content of his answer and not to make a personal attack.

As the incident concludes, it highlights the importance of adhering to parliamentary rules and maintaining respectful discourse within the House.