New Zealand Minister Resigns Over Inappropriate Interaction with Staffer

Andrew Bayly steps down after admitting to 'overbearing' behavior during a heated discussion, marking his second apology for misconduct in recent months.

• Andrew Bayly, New Zealand's Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, resigned after placing his hand on a staffer's arm during an 'animated discussion' on February 18.
• Bayly described his actions as 'overbearing' and 'inappropriate,' apologizing publicly and taking full responsibility for his behavior.
• This resignation follows a prior incident in October where Bayly apologized for calling a worker a 'loser' and allegedly acting inappropriately during a site visit.
• Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accepted Bayly's resignation, praising his prior work but emphasizing the importance of accountability in ministerial conduct.
• Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticized the timeline of the resignation, arguing that the Prime Minister should have acted more decisively and sooner.

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