British politician resigns for arriving late at House of Lords

February 01, 2018 10:55

A British member of the House of Lords offered his resignation at the despatch box because he arrived late to the chamber.

According to CNN, International Development Minister and former Conservative MP Lord Bates, who was meant to be in the House of Lords chamber for the start of oral questions at 15:00 GMT said, "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."

"I wonder if you permit me to offer my sincere apologies to Baroness Lister for my discourtesy in not being in my place to answer her question on a very important matter," Lord Bates said shortly after arriving at his place.

Felllow MPs urged him in vain not to go, and Labour's leader in the Lords said an apology would have sufficed.

Peers cried "no" as he walked past them on his way out of the chamber, leaving puzzled looks in his wake.

Opposition leader in the House of Lords, Baroness Smith of Basildon, stated, "An apology is sufficient for a minor discourtesy."

However, British prime minister Theresa May has rejected Bates' resignation dubbing it as "unnecessary."

"His resignation was refused as it was judged this was unnecessary. As a hard-working and diligent minister, it is typical of his approach that he takes his responsibilities to Parliament so seriously," a spokesperson for Prime Minister Theresa May said. -- ANI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Severe heat wave predicted in many states during Phase 2 of polling

Lakhs of voters will have to bear the searing heat when they step out to exercise their franchise in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday.

IPL: Can Starc reignite KKR's bowling against Punjab?

KKR pacer Mitchell Starc's underwhelming performance is the worst among the specialist bowlers in IPL 2024.

From Mumbai to Uganda: Ramjani's T20 World Cup journey

Uganda produced wonders in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier last November

What Keeps Rishabh Pant Awake At Night

'When I was injured, I had a conversation with myself that when I am back, I should be looking better, moving better and thinking better. Something that keeps me awake at night is that I should not be in the same place.'

DC Vs GT: Who Took Best Catch? Vote!

Who took the best catch at the Arun Jaitley stadium on Wednesday night?