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Vile and degrading text messages from Liberal MP Taylor Martin to former boss Lucy Wicks emerge

A string of vile text messages MP Taylor Martin sent to his former boss have emerged amid an independent investigation into his alleged abusive conduct.

Lucy Wicks with Taylor Martin. Picture: Sue Graham
Lucy Wicks with Taylor Martin. Picture: Sue Graham

Vile and degrading text messages sent by Liberal MP Taylor Martin to Liberal Lucy Wicks have emerged where she is described as a “dumb slut”, a “pig”, a “f***wit”, a “c***”, a “sicko” and a “f***ing idiot”.

Mr Martin, who does not dispute the content of the text messages, insists they were sent in the context of him resisting Ms Wicks’ attempts to rekindle the relationship.

The Liberal MP was employed by Ms Wicks when he was in his early 20s before embarking on a sexual relationship with his female boss despite an 18-year age gap.

Mr Martin has stood aside from the party room while allegations of abusive behaviour are investigated and is believed to be seeking legal advice.

The 32-year-old was named over the weekend after The Sunday Telegraph broke the story before Ms Wicks, 50, was “outed” as the confidential complainant on 2GB radio, she says without her consent.

Liberal MP Taylor Martin sent a barrage of vile messages (in grey, mock-up) to Lucy Wicks. Picture: Supplied
Liberal MP Taylor Martin sent a barrage of vile messages (in grey, mock-up) to Lucy Wicks. Picture: Supplied
Mr Martin does not dispute the content of the text messages. In one exchange he calls Ms Wicks a “f***ing bitch”. Picture: Supplied
Mr Martin does not dispute the content of the text messages. In one exchange he calls Ms Wicks a “f***ing bitch”. Picture: Supplied
Lucy Wicks is pictured with Taylor Martin in 2019. Picture: Facebook
Lucy Wicks is pictured with Taylor Martin in 2019. Picture: Facebook

The texts have been sighted by supporters of Ms Wicks who have confirmed to news.com.au the veracity of the messages after they were first published by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Martin does not deny the contents of the texts.

Many of the abusive texts are from after the relationship ended.

In January 10, 2021, Mr Martin that suggests that Ms Wicks should “Go stay in your world of f***ing make believe you f***ing pig ignorant bitch”.

He also describes the mother of two as a “f***ing idiot”.

Mr Martin states he also told her to “shut up you dumb slut” and “listen to yourself, you absolute c*** of a person”.

In another exchange, Ms Wicks said: “Think about where we will be as a nation in ten years. Or five.”

Martin replied in capital letters: “This s*** is why I’m so angry at you … stop talking to me like this while you kill me you f***wit.”

“Ok. Tay I. Sorry [sic],’’ she replied.

Mr Martin responded: “You bitch. You don’t even try and get it. You f***ing bitch. Listen to yourself. Don’t such lies to me you slut.”

Ms Wicks, who was a factional ally of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, first hired Mr Martin as a staffer when he was 24 years old and in the Young Liberals.

The pair later embarked on a little-known relationship despite their significant age gap.

In recent months, Ms Wicks has been on Mr Morrison’s electorate office staff and appears in internal contact directories.

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

Ms Wicks is pictured with Mr Martin. The pair were in a relationship despite their 18-year age gap. Picture: Sue Graham
Ms Wicks is pictured with Mr Martin. The pair were in a relationship despite their 18-year age gap. Picture: Sue Graham
Mr Martin insists the text messages were sent in the context of him resisting Ms Wicks’ attempts to rekindle the relationship. Picture: Facebook
Mr Martin insists the text messages were sent in the context of him resisting Ms Wicks’ attempts to rekindle the relationship. Picture: Facebook

“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 has told friends the relationship with Mr Martin was not an extra-marital affair and that she was separated from her husband when she formed a relationship with her employee

Mr Martin has insisted he was “young and inexperienced” when he found himself “in a situation that was way beyond me.”

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

“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.

A Liberal Party spokesperson said the party was providing support to Ms Wicks.

“At all times, the party has respected the agency and wishes of the person who has come forward,” they 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 Vile and degrading text messages from Liberal MP Taylor Martin to former boss Lucy Wicks emerge

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/vile-and-degrading-text-messages-from-liberal-mp-taylor-martin-to-former-boss-lucy-wicks-emerge/news-story/38ea6d94ed18e27e34757f21c54938f8