Ex-MP Lucy Wicks behind ‘abusive’ text complaint against NSW Liberal MP Taylor Martin

A former Central Coast MP has been revealed as the woman who alleged NSW MP Taylor Martin sent her abusive texts over a number of years.

A former Liberal MP Lucy Wicks has revealed she is the complainant who has lodged an official complaint over abusive text messages she received from NSW state Liberal MP Taylor Martin.

The former member for Robertson, who was a factional ally of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today she was “outed” without her consent on 2GB radio.

She first hired Mr Martin as a staffer when he was 24 years old and in the Young Liberals before later embarking on a relationship with the man who was 18 years her junior.

But the relationship turned sour with allegations from both parties of “heated words” being exchanged amid their attempt “to go separate ways”.

News.com.au understands this includes Mr Martin making complaints about his former boss to the Department of Finance.

Liberal Party insiders have described the story as “messy” and “complex”.

Former MP Lucy Wicks pictured with NSW state Liberal MP Taylor Martin. Picture: Facebook

Ms Wicks (centre) is pictured with husband Chris (second from right), their two kids and staffer Taylor Martin (left) Picture: Sue Graham

“I am distressed today to learn that I have been named by Radio 2GB as the person who made a formal and confidential complaint regarding abuse by a NSW Member of Parliament spanning more than 5 years,’’ Ms Wicks said in a statement.

“My complaint to the Liberal Party was in relation to serious concerns including behaviour in the workplace, in the party and in political interactions.

“It includes allegations that I ... received hundreds of demeaning, degrading, and abusive texts.

“During that 5-year period, I was continually exposed to highly aggressive barrages of verbal abuse, which included threats to destroy my reputation if I spoke up.

“I am beyond distressed that I have had to disclose even a small portion of these details. I sought to create a confidential process that would enable natural justice and provide me with safety as I navigate this process.

“I would be grateful if the media would respect my privacy at this time.”

Ms Wicks said she was ‘distressed’ to learn that she had been named as the person who made the complaint. Picture: John Feder/The Australian.

Ms Wicks first hired Mr Martin as a staffer when he was 24 years old. Picture: Facebook

Mr Martin has temporarily stepped aside as the Liberal Party investigates the allegations but has insisted he was “young and inexperienced” when he found himself “in a situation that was way beyond me”.

Mr Martin told news.com.au today that he was confident “the truth will come out.”

Speaking after Ms Wicks released her statement, he vowed to co-operate with any inquiry.

“The party has appointed a Senior Counsel to conduct a review. I’m confident that the truth will come out through that process and I will be co-operating fully,” he said.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

“I was young and inexperienced and I found myself involved in a situation that was way beyond me,” Mr Martin, who is now 32, said in a statement.

“There were heated words during my attempts to go separate ways that I sincerely regret.

“It was an ugly and undignified parting of ways. If I could undo any hurt that has been caused I would do it in a heartbeat.

“I am so sorry and apologise unreservedly to everyone that has been caught up in it.”

Mr Martin was appointed to the NSW upper house in 2017, when he was chosen to replace former police minister Mike Gallacher, who resigned from parliament.

The Liberal Party has appointed a senior counsel to conduct an independent investigation.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has confirmed Mr Martin will step aside while the investigation is conducted.

“[Mr Martin] will excuse himself from the party room for the time being,” he said.

A Liberal Party spokesperson previously described the complaint as “private and confidential.”

“At all times, the party has respected the agency and wishes of the person who has come forward,” a spokesman said.

“The matter is being treated confidentially, and the party will not be making any further comment while the independent investigation is taking place.”

Originally published as Ex-MP Lucy Wicks behind ‘abusive’ text complaint against NSW Liberal MP Taylor Martin