London: For anyone who has ever arrived late to work, an apology will usually suffice. But for one British lord, it was too late to just say sorry.

It took less than 60 seconds for Michael Bates to arrive late, apologise profusely, offer his resignation and then leave the House of Lords on Wednesday.

Lord Michael Bates dramatically resigned at the House of Lords after making a heartfelt apology for his tardiness. Credit:PA

"I want to offer my sincere apologies to Baroness (Ruth) Lister for my discourtesy in not being in my place to answer her question on a very important matter at the beginning of questions," the international development minister said, standing up in front of his peers.

"During the five years in which it's been my privilege to answer questions from this dispatcher box on behalf of the government, I've always believed that we should rise to the highest possible standards of courtesy and respect in responding on behalf of the government to the legitimate questions of the legislature.