In an unprecedented move Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has dismissed Iain Lees-Galloway, Minister for Immigration, Works Place Relations & ACC on the charge of "inappropriate" behaviour.
Ardern told the nation in an urgently called press briefing this morning that the Minister was having an inappropriate relationship with a staffer at one of his offices.
3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21: Prime Minister Office received an email from the office of the Leader of Opposition at 3 pm on Tuesday, July 21 about an allegation of inappropriate relationship between the Minister and a staffer
Chief of Staff of Prime Minister's office establishes contact with Leader of Opposition's Chief of Staff asking for the source of the allegation. They were apprised that the allegation was initiated by the third party.
5.45 p.m., Tuesday, July 21: Prime Minister sits down with Minister Iain Lees Galloway to understand the nature of allegations. She was told that the Minister was in an inappropriate relationship with the for 12 months, which has now ended.
8.00 a.m. Wednesday, July 22 : Leader of Opposition Judith Collins tells media that she has relayed an allegation of inappropriate behaviour from a Minister in the government to the office of the Prime Minister.
10.50 a.m., Wednesday, July 21: Media is leaked of the information that the Minister in trouble was Iain Lees-Galloway.
11.00 a.m. Wednesday, July 21: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses the media and make announcement that she has dismissed Minister Lees-Galloway from the Cabinet.
11.10 a.m., Wednesday, July 21: PM Ardern says she has left the choice with the disgraced Minister to continue being a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party. However, Lees-Galloway will not be standing in the elections.
11.15 a.m. Wednesday, July 21: Office of now-disgraced Minister Lees Galloway issued a press release accepting the Prime Minister's decision.
"I accept the Prime Minister’s decision and apologise absolutely,” Iain Lees-Galloway says.
“I have acted completely inappropriately in my position and cannot continue as a Minister.
“I have apologised to my family for letting them down. Please appreciate their privacy.
“I also apologise to anyone who has been hurt by my actions,” Mr Galloway said.