Jacinda Ardern sacks Workplace Relations Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over affair with staffer

It is the second time in two days a senior New Zealand MP has blown up his career with inappropriate behaviour.

Jacinda Ardern leaves the press conference after announcing she had sacked Iain Lees-Galloway. Picture: Getty Images.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has sacked her Workplace Relations Minister over revelations of an inappropriate affair with one of his members of staff.

Iain Lees-Galloway, who is married with three children, has quit his ministerial role with immediate effect and will resign as an MP at the September election.

Mr Lees-Galloway, 41, said in a statement he had “acted completely inappropriately in my position and cannot continue as a Minister”.

Ms Ardern told reporters having an affair did not necessarily constitute inappropriate behaviour but as Mr Lees-Galloway was minister for workplace relations and safety, he could be open to accusations of misusing his power.

“He has not modelled the behaviour I expect as a minister that is in charge of setting a standard and culture in workplaces,” Ms Ardern said.

Iain Lees-Galloway has been sacked for an inappropriate affair.

The Prime Minister was made aware of Mr Lees-Galloway’s behaviour by her rival, National Party leader Judith Collins, who had been contacted by a third party.

Ms Ardern said she called Mr Lees-Galloway into her office on Tuesday evening and he had admitted to the 12 month affair, which ended some months ago.

“In undertaking this relationship he has opened himself up to accusations of improperly using his office,” Ms Ardern said.

“His actions have led me to lose my confidence in him as a Minister.”

Mr Lees-Galloway, who entered parliament in 2008, said in a statement: “I accept the Prime Minister’s decision and apologise absolutely. 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.”

It is the second time in two days a senior NZ politician has derailed their career with improper behaviour.

On Tuesday, Ms Collins asked National MP Andrew Falloon to resign after it was revealed he had sent explicit pictures to at least one young woman.

According to Stuff.co.nz, in an alcohol fuelled incident, the 37-year-old politician sent at least one indecent picture – not believed to be of himself – to a woman over the age of 18. Her parents had alerted the Prime Minister’s office.

Mr Falloon had announced on Monday his intention to resign at the election, citing health reasons. However Ms Collins told NZ media that while she was concerned for his mental health, she believed it was better for everyone if he left parliament immediately.

“I have reached the view this morning that it would be in his best interests, the best interests of the young woman who is my first priority, and for his family if he were to resign from parliament immediately,” she said.