Steven Woolfe and 'Special Pleading?'

It seems that after the fiasco of Woolfe not having kept his membership up to date, his application papers for standing as Ukip leader also arrived late. He apparently wants these two major factors - both of which speak ill of his competence for senior position - to be laid aside. In other words, 'special pleading'.
He is reported in The Guardian as stating that he attempted to send his papers electronically before the deadline - but 'problems at Head Office and with their system - did not allow him to register until after the deadline had passed.'
When I go on a flight, I have to arrive at the airport two hours early. Knowing that there can be baggage search difficulties and possibly customs and the inevitable queues - I add an extra hour on. 
It does not matter if I ring the airline and get caught in another queue - if I have not put sufficient time aside - when the plane leaves without me - it is whose fault?
Also:
http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2016/07/steven-woolfe-misses-ukip-leadership-deadline/