MPs trade barbs: Tamati Coffey tells Melissa Lee 'stick to your job, love'

Tamati Coffey has been called out after telling fellow MP Melissa Lee to "stick to your job, love".

The two television personalities-turned MPs traded barbs at the end of a select committee hearing at Parliament today.

In an exchange captured on audio, National MP Lee suggests to a staffer there should be two microphones when two Ministers appear in front of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.

But things get a little heated when Labour's Coffey weighs in.

"Hey, hey, stick to your job love," he says. "Ordering around the microphones."

Lee objects saying "I'm not ordering her, I'm just suggesting."

"That's why you work in TV don't you," Coffey replies.

"Excuse me, I do have a name, my name is not 'eh eh eh'" she retorts.

National's Judith Collins later tweeted about the exchange saying she had to tell Coffey that calling a senior female MP 'love' was completely inappropriate.

"Some folks also note that it is entirely inappropriate for a woman long past the age of 16 to be referred to as a 'girl'."

Lee, who fronted the TV show Asia Downunder before becoming an MP, is National's spokeswoman for broadcasting, communications and digital media.

Coffey also has a background in broadcasting, as a presenter on Breakfast and numerous other TV shows before becoming MP for Waiariki.

Listen to the clip below.