Even in these turbulent times it is unusual for a government minister to openly attack their own administration from the Commons despatch box.

But it didn't stop Work and Pensions minister Mims Davies from taking the opportunity to snipe Sajid Javid for failing to lower the age at which people are eligible for the National Living Wage.

Asked by former Tory minister Caroline Nokes about the government's analysis of why the higher statutory pay is only available to over-21s, Ms Davies responded: "She will know, sadly, if it was me I would love to take it down to 18, but this is down to the Treasury and I will direct the questions accordingly."

The extraordinary comments left fellow DWP minister Justin Tomlinson looking panicked as the opposition benches jeered those sitting across from them.

One quick thinking SNP MP shouted from across the Chamber: "Well that's a Written Question headed to the Treasury".

A stern email from the Tory whips about the importance of collective responsibility is probably already waiting in Ms Davies' inbox.