Paul Waugh reports that when the new Speaker, John Bercow, was elected another first was happening as well. An MP was – wait for it – tieless!

Amid all the hubbub in the chamber last night, Tim Yeo got away with something no honourable member has got away with before. The dapper former minister was, wait for it, tieless.

Yup, no necktie, just a smart open-necked shirt and jacket.

Shocking indeed.

Who cares how MPs are dressed, as long as they look reasonably smart, if they are doing their job well? It’s what they do not what they wear that is important.

Senior politicians – Conservatives especially – often appear on TV without a tie and sometimes even without a jacket! But they still look smart, or at least smart enough. Especially considering how ugly some ties they wear are.*

The import is in dressing for the occasion – I wouldn’t wear a suit and tie to go canvassing in most places and I wouldn’t turn up to an important meeting in jeans and t-shirt. If Tim were to make an important speech in Parliament tie-less, it would probably be inappropriate – but just to attend and listen to/take part in debates? I can’t see a problem.

In the 21st century, a tie really is not essential wear. What purpose does it really serve? Very little.

* Did anyone see John Bercow’s tie yesterday? It’s worse than one of Iain Dale’s!