Veterans minister Jonny Mercer defends taking shoes and socks off on train
The cabinet minister is snapped barefoot on a train to London, but he has defended himself and explained why he took off his shoes and socks. The prime minister's press secretary has also weighed in.
Wednesday 22 May 2024 15:44, UK
A minister has defended himself and told people to "grow up" after pictures shared on social media showed him barefoot on a train to London.
The image emerged in The Times, which reported that a passenger captured the photos of Johnny Mercer using his laptop on the go.
When the picture, taken on 6 May, was shared, users criticised the veterans minister for having his shoes and socks off - with even the prime minister set to have a word.
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"So some little weirdo has gone round snapping my laptop reading private messages from a private email account," Mr Mercer posted on X.
"My shoes and socks were off because I'd just cycled across Dartmoor in the rain. Shoot me now. Or grow up."
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When the prime minister's spokesperson was asked on Wednesday if it was right to have your shoes and socks off on a train, they said no.
Mr Sunak will probably speak to Mr Mercer about it, they added.