• Andrew Bayly has stood down as a minister after an “inappropriate” incident with a staffer.
• Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accepted Bayly’s resignation, citing actions that “fell short” of expectations.
• Scott Simpson will replace Bayly as Minister for ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Andrew Bayly has stood down as a Government minister after an “animated discussion” with a staffer, during which he “placed a hand on their upper arm, which was inappropriate”.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accepted Bayly’s resignation and said the National MP indicated to him that “his actions fell short of the expectations he sets himself”.

Bayly is expected to speak to media at about 1:45pm. A livestream will be found above.

According to a timeline provided by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Bayly resigned on Friday night, meaning the resignation was kept secret for days.

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