Transport minister left red-faced in Commons after mishearing question
The gaffe drew laughter in the chamber as Nusrat Ghani admitted suffering a ‘momentary lapse’.
Transport minister Nusrat Ghani was left red-faced in the Commons after appearing to forget it was her turn to respond to a question.
The Tory MP for Wealden in East Sussex, who was appointed to the ministerial role in January, sat in silence for a few moments after Labour’s transport spokesman had asked the Government bench a question.
Ms Ghani was prompted by colleagues to rise to the despatch box and respond – where she admitted suffering a “momentary lapse”.
She said: “Forgive me. I was … I do apologise hugely, Mr Speaker, I had a momentary lapse.
“I’ve no idea how to respond, forgive me. I will take some direction from yourself.”
The gaffe drew laughter in the chamber, before Speaker John Bercow rose to ask shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald to repeat the question.
