Snazzy new portraits for our posing MPs

The new portraits, which were taken by celebrity photographer Chris McAndrew, cost the taxpayer £10,000 and feature MPs in their finest gear.

But not every MP in the Black Country and Staffordshire was available for the the photocall, which took place when they returned to Parliament after the snap General Election.

Most surprising was the absence of Lichfield's Tory MP Michael Fabricant, who is never usually one to shun the limelight.

"My hair was a mess and I didn't have a comb with me," he said. "I didn't want to end up looking like a bedraggled bunny."

Others to miss out were Dudley North MP Ian Austin and Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds, both Labour, and the Conservative MP for Stafford Jeremy Lefroy.

Among those to step in front of the lens were new Walsall North Tory MP Eddie Hughes, who looks sharp in a light grey single-breasted suit with a metallic blue geo print tie.

His fellow newcomer to the Commons, Wolverhampton South West's Labour MP Eleanor Smith, went for a red tailored jacket with a cut away neckline, worn over a summer print dress.

Government Chief Whip and South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson sports his trademark mischievous grin along with a dark blue suit and matching tie.

Meanwhile Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz, the shadow leader of the House of Commons, wears a bright pink shot silk suit with a plunging neckline and fabric covered buttons.

The new portraits were organised by the digital team at UK Parliament, led by Carrie Barclay. She said the pictures captured a 'raw but sophisticated image' that showed MPs as 'relatable people'.

Next up it's the House of Lords - with all 800 plus peers due to be snapped in the coming weeks.