Ex-Liberal MP Lucy Wicks rages over her relationship with male staffer 18 years her junior being ‘outed’ on radio: ‘Beyond distressed’
Ex-Liberal MP Lucy Wicks rages over her relationship with 18-year-old male staffer being ‘outed’ on radio: ‘Beyond distressed’
- Lucy Wicks claims she received hundreds of degrading text messages
- Former MP upset by sharing details of confidential complaint
A former Liberal MP who made a formal complaint against a sitting politician has expressed her ‘disquiet’ about public identity.
Lucy Wicks, who served as a federal member for the Central Coast’s Robertson from 2013 to 2022, filed a confidential complaint with the NSW Liberal Party about NSW MP Taylor Martin.
She alleged that Mr. Martin sent her abusive text messages over a period of more than five years after their romantic relationship ended.
“I am saddened today to learn that I have been named by Radio 2GB as the person who made a formal and confidential complaint alleging abuse by a NSW MP over more than five years,” she said.
“My complaint to the Liberal Party related to serious concerns, including behavior in the workplace, in the party and in political interactions.
“It contains allegations that I received… hundreds of demeaning, humiliating and insulting texts.”
Lucy Wicks (right), who served as a federal member for the Central Coast’s Robertson from 2013 to 2022, complained confidentially to the NSW Liberal Party about NSW MP Taylor Martin (left)
She alleged that Mr. Martin sent her abusive text messages over a period of more than five years after their romantic relationship ended
Mr. Martin was hired as a member of staff under Mrs. Wicks when he was 24 to 18 years her junior.
He has denied wrongdoing and will cooperate with an independent inquiry set up to investigate the complaint, he said.
“There were heated words during my attempts to break up, which I sincerely regret,” Martin said in a statement.
“It was an ugly and undignified parting of ways. If I could undo every hurt that has been caused, I would in a heartbeat.
“I’m so sorry and apologize unconditionally to anyone caught up in it.”
In Ms Wicks’ statement, she claimed she was “constantly subjected to very aggressive bouts of verbal abuse, including threats to destroy my reputation if I spoke out.
In Ms Wicks’ statement, she claimed she was “constantly exposed to very aggressive bouts of verbal abuse, including threats to destroy my reputation if I spoke out.”
“I am beyond saddened that I had to reveal even a small portion of these details. I tried to create a confidential process that would allow natural justice and give me security as I navigate this process.
“I would appreciate it if the media would respect my privacy at this point.”
The Liberal Party has appointed a Senior Counsel to investigate the complaint.
“The party has at all times respected the freedom of choice and the wish of the person who came forward to treat the matter confidentially,” said a spokesman.
Public comment on this investigation could deny procedural fairness to those involved in this process. The party will not comment further during the independent investigation and respectfully asks others to do the same.”
Mr. Martin was hired as a member of staff under Mrs. Wicks when he was 24 to 18 years her junior