As ITV’s long-serving political editor, his position understandably demands considerable gravitas.

But broadcaster Robert Peston has once again been mocked for his ‘unprofessional’ fashion choices while presenting serious political news coverage.

Viewers of Tuesday night’s ITV News – which was covering the unfolding events in the Middle East – spotted that the 65-year-old was sporting garish red and black £145 Nike trainers in contrast with his sensible suit, as well as bright red socks.

Many used social media to complain about his outfit, which they branded ‘ridiculous’.

Writing on X, one person commented: ‘The absolute state of Robert Peston on ITV. Since when did it become acceptable to wear trainers with a suit?’ Another added: ‘Peston must be pushing 70 but he insists on wearing trainers with a suit, seriously Robert?’

It is not the first time in recent weeks that the broadcaster, who also hosts The Rest Is Money podcast, has drawn attention for his quirky fashion choices.

Last month, viewers complained about a set of silver rings adorning both his hands and claimed it was impossible to take the political journalist seriously as a result.

One wrote on X: ‘Anybody else find it difficult to listen to Robert Peston on ITV News – why are his hands now covered in rings? It looks ridiculous.’ Another branded them ‘knuckle dusters’ and joked they could secure him a job in Starmer’s government.

ITV’s Robert Peston was mocked by viewers for his bright red socks and trainers, which were on show during an ITV News segment covering the conflict in the Middle East

Mr Peston also came under fire for wearing a set of silver rings which viewers branded ‘ridiculous’ 

A close up of the vivid red trainers and even brighter red socks, with viewers branding the outfit ‘unprofessional’ 

‘Judging by the number of rings that ITV News’s Robert Peston is wearing, maybe he could apply to be the new chief of staff at Downing Street for Keir Starmer, as these could act as knuckle dusters,’ they wrote. 

And referencing the satirical puppet show famous for its grotesque caricatures of leading British establishment figures, they added: ‘This is reminiscent of the Spitting Image puppet of [former Conservative Cabinet minister] Norman Tebbit.’

Father-of-three Peston, who joined ITV in 2015 from his previous role as Economics Editor at the BBC, has previously been accused of sporting an ‘affected’ style while presenting, involving vibrantly coloured neck scarves. 

One viewer claimed the fashion crimes meant that he should be ‘put through a shredder’ as others acknowledged that he would never achieve status ‘as a fashion icon’.

Not that these views are likely to bother Peston himself.

The presenter once revealed he was ‘really interested in fashion’ during the 1990s and once wore a John Paul Gaultier coat to a party conference – where it was ‘nicked’.

And ten years ago, he told the Guardian: ‘The notion that what makes you a serious journalist is wearing a tie is bonkers.’