Jan 31, 2018

British minister offers to resign from government because he was late

Erica Pandey

Lord Michael Bates, a Conservative minister, offered to resign from his government post Wednesday after arriving late to a parliamentary session and missing a question from a Labour colleague, Baroness Lister. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May did not, however, accept Bates' resignation, BBC reports.

The scene: After arriving, he promptly announced his resignation and walked out of the hall, as other members shouted, "No!" and Baroness Lister said there was no reason to step down.

"During the five years of which it's been my privilege to answer questions from the despatch box on behalf of the government, I've always believed we should offer — rise — to the highest possible standards of courtesy and respect in responding on behalf of the government to the legitimate questions of the legislature.
"I'm thoroughly ashamed at not being in my place and therefore I shall be offering my resignation to the Prime Minister with immediate effect. I do apologize."
— Lord Bates, upon arriving late

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