A member of Britain's House of Lords has drawn praise and puzzlement for resigning as a government minister because he was late to answer a question. International Development Minister Michael Bates apologized to another member "for my discourtesy for not being in my place to answer her question on a very important matter." Bates said Wednesday he was "thoroughly ashamed" and "shall be offering my resignation." With that, he walked out of the Lords chamber to the astonishment of other members. However, his resignation was short-lived. According to the Washington Post, Bates will keep his position in the House of Lords. Hours after resigning for being late, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said: 'With typical sincerity, Lord Bates today offered to tender his resignation, but his resignation was refused as it was judged this was unnecessary.' 'As a hard-working and diligent minister, it is typical of his approach that he takes his responsibilities to Parliament so seriously,' the spokesman added. Bates quit a previous government position in 2016 to walk 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) across South America for charity. With inputs from AP
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