New Zealand councillor caught bare-legged

David Benson-Pope unintentionally entertains colleagues in virtual council meeting

In a rather amusing incident, a New Zealand councillor provided comic relief during a virtual council meeting when he was caught bare-legged on camera.

Former Labour Cabinet minister, David Benson-Pope unintentionally entertained fellow colleagues on a Zoom council meeting by carrying a feather duster and dusting his bookshelves in a suit jacket and little else.

"I think it’s probably appropriate to describe it as being caught with your pants down," joked Benson-Pope.

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Benson-Pope said he had not realised his camera was on. "It wasn't intentional," he said, adding that he was 'delighted' to have amused his fellow colleagues.

The councillor said he had been gardening before the video conference and put a shirt and jacket on for the meeting.

He later spoke to the media about the perils of live-streaming while working from home and said it was a good reminder to double-check the camera was switched off during breaks.

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Council meetings are being held online in New Zealand during the coronavirus lockdown.

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