MP Jamie Briggs resigns after 'inappropriate behaviour' in Hong Kong bar

Federal Government front bencher Jamie Briggs has resigned after an incident in a crowded Hong Kong bar with a female public servant.

The Minister for Cities and the Built Environment made the shock announcement today and spoke of "certain matters" which took place during an official overseas visit in late November.

The Advertiser reports the incident involved Mr Briggs telling the unnamed public servant she had "piercing eyes," and kissed her on the cheek as the group left the bar. 

"At no point was it my intention to act inappropriately and I'm obliged to note for the record that nothing illegal has been alleged or did in fact occur," Mr Briggs said.

However the public servant raised concerns about the 38-year-old Mr Briggs to her department, and made a formal complaint about his inappropriate behaviour.

"I have apologised directly to her but after careful reflection about the concerns she raised and the fact that I was at a bar, late at night while on an overseas visit, I have concluded that this behaviour has not met the particularly high standards required of Ministers," Mr Briggs said.

"This was an error of professional judgement."

The South Australian MP is married with three children and has served in federal parliament in the Adelaide Hills seat of Mayo since 2008.