LONDON – For anyone who has ever arrived late to work, an apology willusually suffice. But for one British lord, it was too late to just saysorry.

It took less than 60 seconds for Michael Bates to arrive late, apologizeprofusely, offer his resignation and then leave the House of Lords onWednesday.

“I want to offer my sincere apologies to Baroness Lister for my discourtesyin not being in my place to answer her question on a very important matterat the beginning of questions,” the international development ministersaid, standing up in front of his peers.

“During the five years in which it’s been my privilege to answer questionsfrom this dispatcher box on behalf of the government, I’ve always believedthat we should rise to the highest possible standards of courtesy andrespect in responding on behalf of the government to the legitimatequestions of the legislature,” he continued.

“I am thoroughly ashamed at not being in my place and therefore I shall beoffering my resignation to the prime minister . . . with immediate effect.”

“I do apologize,” said Bates as he gathered his belongings and swiftlyexited the chamber.

Witnessing an apology turn into a resignation in a matter of seconds wassimply too much for Bates’ stunned peers.

In the dramatic video, other politicians can be heard exclaiming “No!” fromtheir seats. While some laughed in disbelief, others attempted to reach outand pull Bates back to the chamber.

After Bates’ resignation, Baroness Smith of Basildon interrupted thebeginning of another speech to say: “An apology from Lord Bates isperfectly sufficient. It was a minor discourtesy of which any of us can beguilty of on occasion.”

Talking to the Guardian, Baroness Lister said she has asked Bates toreconsider his decision.

“Of all the ministers I’d want to cause to resign, he’d be the last,” shesaid.

It is still not known where Bates went after leaving the House of Lords orif he’ll ever be back.