Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has resigned from his ministerial roles after acknowledging an incident involving a staff member during what he described as an “animated discussion.”

Bayly admitted he had taken the conversation “too far” and described his behaviour as “overbearing” and “inappropriate.”

“I am deeply sorry. I have been impatient to drive change in my ministerial portfolios. Last week, I had an animated discussion with a staff member about work. I took the discussion too far and placed a hand on their upper arm, which was inappropriate.”

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Bayly referred to the exchange as a “lively discussion.”

While denying any forceful contact, he said, “I’ve never had anything like this happen before.”

Bayly confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged but declined to comment further on the matter.

He told  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of his decision to step down on Friday night but did not publicly announce his resignation until Monday.

“To be honest, I would have had difficulty doing this interview over the last couple of days. I’ve had to talk to my family, and that’s why I’ve made the decision and why we’re announcing it today,” he told reporters.

Bayly said he was taking “personal responsibility for what has taken place” and acknowledged the importance of reflecting on his actions. “It is what it is, this is my decision, and I think it’s important sometimes to reflect about your own activities,” he said.