Defence secretary Gavin Williamson rebuked after using Instagram in House of Commons

Minister warned about breaching photography rules after posting picture of Theresa May

Gavin Williamson has previously raised eyebrows with his use of social media (AFP/Getty)

Gavin Williamson has been rebuked by parliamentary authorities after using Instagram in the House of Commons chamber to post pictures of Theresa May.

The defence secretary posted a photo from the government frontbench of the prime minister delivering a Commons statement on Brexit on Monday.

It was captioned: "The @theresamay making her statement to the House of Commons."

However, the minister's social media efforts backfired when he was rebuked by parliamentary authorities for taking photos in the chamber.

Parliament has strict rules on photography, with staff and visitors only allowed to take photos and videos in a handful locations.

https://twitter.com/georgeeaton/status/1054452058227646464

In response to a tweet showing Mr Williamson's photo, the House of Commons press office wrote: "Photography is not generally permitted in the House of Commons Chamber, and where it is seen or reported to be happening the individual in question will be asked to stop and reminded of the rules..."

Matters escalated when the Metropolitan Police’s Westminster unit responded to a question about whether Mr Williamson could face arrest by posting a ticking clock emoji.

It is not the first time Mr Williamson's use of social media has raised eyebrows.

The MP’s Instagram page includes a number of unusual posts.

In one, dating from his time as the government's chief whip, he wrote: "Very pleased with my new garden incinerator only £14.99 from #aldi, cracking good value. Question is could we make use of one in the whips office?

Another shows him standing next to a cow.

"So instead of a politician talking bull here is a politician meeting one,” the caption reads.