A dispute has erupted between Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats over Nigel Farage's claim that he was involved in a physical altercation with an MP in the House of Commons. The argument has overshadowed the day after the Budget, with MPs from several parties disputing the Reform leader's account of events.
Farage's absence and explanation
Reports from the press gallery noted that Farage was absent from the green benches when Chancellor John Healey delivered his Budget statement. Seven Reform MPs were present in their usual spot behind the Liberal Democrats, but their leader was missing.
At a press conference that afternoon, Farage was asked about his absence. He said: 'At the state opening of Parliament, I got involved… I didn't want to… but I got involved in a physical altercation with an MP in the chamber. I didn't make a fuss about it, I didn't complain, but I could see given that my prayer card had been removed, I was heading towards another physical altercation.'
The prayer card is a small piece of paper used by MPs to reserve a seat in the House of Commons. Its removal would mean Farage was not guaranteed a place to sit during the session.
MPs dispute the claim
Several MPs challenged Farage's version of events. Independent MP Rosie Duffield, formerly of Labour, called it 'utter rubbish', saying the Budget 'wasn't rammed at all' and he would not have struggled to find a seat. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns described it as 'total bull', suggesting other Reform MPs could have given up their seats.
Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden responded on X, writing: 'And we both know that's not true Nigel don't we? I'm still waiting for the apology you were required to write to me… Though I won't hold my breath.'
Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper told Sky News that two of her party's MPs were involved in the original incident. She said: 'My understanding – I didn't see it, I wasn't there – my understanding is that he physically shoved one of our female MPs out of the way, and that one of our male MPs then challenged him on that.' A Lib Dem spokesperson called Reform's account 'utter nonsense', saying Farage 'attempted to shove' a woman MP.
Reform's response
Robert Jenrick, speaking to Sky News, said: 'As I understand it, some petty, bolshie Lib Dem MP – I don't know their name, because I actually don't know most of the Lib Dem MPs' names – got in the way when [Farage] was trying to do his job.'
A Reform spokesperson said Cooper's account was 'not true at all', adding 'it was the Lib Dem MPs being aggressive towards Nigel'. They said: 'This is typical Lib Dem dishonesty in an attempt to stay relevant.'
Meanwhile, the Budget delivered by John Healey is beginning to affect people across the country.
