For the first time former minister Iain Lees-Galloway has addressed the actions that saw him sacked from Cabinet two weeks ago - using his valedictory speech to lay bare the affair, the hurt it caused and to apologise to his family.
"Two weeks ago I was not preparing to deliver my valedictory speech," Lees-Galloway said in his speech on Tuesday as MPs and members of the public gathered to hear his farewell.
"The near end of our marriage, the death of my father, and now the end of my political career - we even had to put the dog to sleep a few weeks ago. It's been a rough year," he said.
It was Lees-Galloway's first day back at Parliament since being sacked. He was busted for having an affair with his official who was also his former staffer.
Newshub spoke to Lees-Galloway earlier on Tuesday before his speech, and when asked if he regretted his actions, he said: "Of course I do."
Lees-Galloway used his valedictory to apologise to his family and take responsibility.
"We must recognise not only the imbalance of power involved but also the impact such a relationship can have on a workplace. That's why I have to go," he said.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tasked ministerial services with investigating whether Lees-Galloway used any public cash to sustain the affair.
"I think she was just checking but I didn't do that," Lees-Galloway told Newshub.
He said he didn't misuse his office, "Nope."
The Prime Minister said she is waiting for the final outcome.
"I did get a preliminary view that there did not appear to be anything out of order but I just want to wait for that final outcome."
But bidding farewell on Tuesday night, the former minister will likely be long gone before we learn that final outcome.
