Following resignation announcement, Greens says Ghahraman experienced higher stress than most

The Green Party co-leaders say Golriz Ghahraman has been subject to continuous threats of sexual and physical violence since the day she was elected to parliament.

Ghahraman has resigned and has been spoken to by police after allegations of shoplifting from high-end fashion stores emerged.

In a statement, she said the best thing for her mental health was to resign and focus on her recovery.

Audio of the questions asked by Mary Afemata at the Green Party press conference:

The Green Party co-leaders said it is clear to them that Ms Ghahraman is in a state of extreme distress, and she has taken responsibility and apologised.

James Shaw says she has experienced a higher level of stress than most MPs, with police investigating threats against her since she started as an MP.

Marama Davidson says it is a sad time.

“I'm losing a friend and a colleague who I've been close to and have worked with for six years.

“We have seen the conversation over the past years especially about … the particular treatment of women with public profiles.”

She says this is particularly true for the treatment of women of color with high profiles.

“It is incumbent on all political parties and the parliamentary system to be able to support everyone under the pressures of political profiles.”

She says the Green Party have always taken seriously the support of their MPs and to make sure that there are avenues for them feeling stressed to seek help to carry on.

The co-leaders say they have refused to comment on the shoplifting claims.