Nigel Farage has been accused of breaking parliamentary rules on his first day back as an MP. The Reform UK leader made his return to Westminster on Tuesday (September 1).
He took the oath before the Commons following his Clacton by-election win - a contest he himself had triggered. Mr Farage marked the occasion by sharing a 37-second clip on social media of himself strolling across the roof of the Houses of Parliament.
Rooftop footage sparks rule breach allegations
He spoke at length about the 'extraordinary' building and Big Ben 'bonging' behind him, but allegations have since emerged that Farage failed to seek the necessary permission to film there.
Authorisation from parliamentary authorities is required for any photography or filming on the estate, with the rooftop considered particularly sensitive on both safety and security grounds, according to The I.
A House of Commons spokesperson told the Mirror: "Unauthorised photography or filming is not permitted on the Parliamentary Estate. Where it is seen or reported to be happening, the individual in question will be asked to stop and reminded of the rules."
They added: "Where breaches are observed or reported, the Serjeant at Arms will discuss with (or write to) the Member involved to clarify, remind of and re-iterate the rules."
Farage celebrates by-election victory
Farage shared the footage on X with the message: "Guess who's back." In the video, Farage remarked: "Well it's first day back in Parliament after the by-election. Big Ben bonging and have a look at where we are.
"I mean this whole building is extraordinary and yes it needs a fortune spent on it to keep it up to speed but it is a magnificent place."
Farage celebrated securing victory in the by-election with an increased majority compared to the general election, though the Reform leader's principal challenger was Count Binface. The novelty candidate garnered 9,455 votes, representing a 26.9 per cent share of the ballot.
Previous rooftop breach by Lee Anderson
Reform's Chairman Lee Anderson MP had previously violated the MPs' code of conduct after filming on a House of Commons rooftop in 2023, while serving as deputy chairman of the Conservative Party.
Anderson had recorded promotional material for his £100,000-a-year GB News programme - Lee Anderson's Real World - without obtaining authorisation from Parliamentary authorities.
The Mirror contacted Reform UK for comment.
