Jeremy Hunt was given a very public telling off for his choice of outfit when he virtually joined a Commons Covid-19 debate.
The chair of the health select committee shared his concerns about schools and universities returning in the New Year when the NHS is struggling to deal with a spike of cases.
He said: "The NHS now is busier than it was last April, in parts of London it looks like it may fall over.
"But back in April schools were shut, next week primary schools are due to reopen. In September we came to regret allowing university students to go back en masse but some universities are going to start to go back from next week.
"Why in the middle of winter when the NHS is under such pressure, when we have a dangerous new strain of the virus are we taking such huge risks? Shouldn't our entire focus for the entire eight to 12 weeks be on saving lives?"
However before Matt Hancock had a chance to reply, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle interrupted to remind Hunt about parliament's dress code.
Hunt was dressed in a smart blue shirt for the meeting, however he was not wearing a tie.
He said: "Can I just remind members who are not in the Chambers that they should have the same dress code even though they are virtual.
"It's only fair that we treat each other with the same respect."
While the speaker's words were met by cheers in the Commons, people watching on TV were furious at him for bringing the issue up while discussing such a vital topic.
One user wrote: "So Jeremy Hunt was making a desperately important point about the level of risk involved in bringing schools and universities back on mass in January....and the Speaker feels it more important to pick him up on his dress code. Talk about tone deaf."
Another added: "You've got to work really hard to make me side with Jeremy Hunt! He's literally discussing life and death and Lindsay Hoyle, is worried about the dress code!"
A third commented: "Cackled at Jeremy Hunt getting a telling off for not being in a suit and tie in his own home.
"Don’t get me wrong, I despise the man. But do we not think there’s a bit more going on than reinforcing a stupid dress code?!
"Also, has he seen Boris Johnson? Hand the man a hairbrush!!"
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Another added: "And Hunt was sitting at a desk in his own house in Surrey. Why is the Speaker trying to enforce a dress code outside the chamber? Who the hell cares? Let them wear their joggies and slippers like everyone else."
A fifth wrote: "Suggest the Speaker of the House of Commons takes a look around and grabs a little perspective after slamming Jeremy Hunt for his 'working from home dress code'. Get a grip Speaker!"
Hunt's comments came as Hancock announced more areas are being placed into Tier 4 Covid restrictions.
The changes mean more than three quarters of England are under the strictest rules after a huge surge in cases.
In Tier 4 areas, people must stay at home unless unless for work, school, or other exemptions, and limit people to meeting in a public outdoor place with their own household, or one other person.
Non-essential shops, beauty salons and hairdressers must close.
