File under tragicomedy:

On reviewing the situation, I am now aware that an inadvertent error has occurred, based on a genuine misunderstanding.
- John Prescott

It really doesn't get any more ridiculous than that. I particularly like the way it took persistant questioning over many months before Prescott realised he was making this "inadvertant error".

Compare and contrast:

The mistakes arose out of an "honest misunderstanding", said the prime minister.

I'm guessing that an honest misunderstanding is a resigning matter but a genuine one is not.

Tags: News, Politics, John Prescott