ꦍNew Zealand's Commerce Minister, Andrew Bayly, resigned after he faced criticism for inappropriately touching a staff member's arm during a discussion. Prime Minister Luxon ruled out his return, while opposition leaders condemned the government's response.
♚He apologised for his actions, describing them as "overbearing," and he is "deeply sorry" for the incident. He claimed that it was not an argument but an animated discussion. Bayly will not be a minister but will continue to serve as a member of parliament.
🀅The country's minister for commerce and consumer affairs, Andrew Bayly, told reporters his behavior towards the staff member had been "overbearing".
"For that, I am deeply sorry," he said.
ꦇ"I took the discussion too far, and I placed a hand on their upper arm, which was inappropriate."
꧃A complaint had been lodged about his behavior in last week's incident, but the minister declined to give further details.
♒This is the second apology Bayly has offered for his ministerial conduct after his visit to a New Zealand business last October turned sour.
🐷A worker wrote a letter of complaint at the time saying the minister appeared to have been drinking, swore, and called him a "loser" repeatedly, even forming an "L" with his fingers on his forehead.
