An MP was snubbed from making a virtual contribution to Parliament after being judged to be dressed too casually.
Conservative Jonathan Gullis had been set to address the Commons from home during a debate on support for businesses and individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Gullis was able to make his virtual contribution to Parliament after sourcing a jacket to wear.
During the debate, Mr Gullis appeared on screen with Dame Eleanor telling the Commons: “We now go to… we now go… no, I don’t think we do go to Stoke-on-Trent, the honourable gentleman (Mr Gullis) has to be dressed as if he were here in the chamber.
“So we will not go to Stoke-on-Trent, we will try to come back to Mr Gullis in due course, but we will go now to Chesterfield, (with Labour MP) Toby Perkins.”
Following the contribution of Mr Perkins, Dame Eleanor returned to Mr Gullis, who appeared once again on screen, but had by this time put on a jacket.
She said: “We are now going back to Stoke-on-Trent, where I observe that the honourable gentleman is now properly dressed.
Having been called to speak, Mr Gullis said: “Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker, the jacket is now on! Apologies.”
