MP's Stern Style Steals Budget Day Spotlight
Madam Deputy Speaker Nus Ghani became the unexpected star of Budget Day, combining her no-nonsense approach with stylish attire that left Commons-watchers thoroughly impressed. The 53-year-old Conservative MP's commanding performance overseeing the main debate has since sparked a wave of admiration and light-hearted banter across social media platforms.
Social Media Banter Delights Followers
The Weald MP found herself at the centre of unexpected attention when one particularly awestruck admirer wrote: 'I wonder if this deputy speaker does private work. I would pay good money for her to shout at me and tell me off. If she had a pair of spectacles she could look over, I would pay double.'
Rather than ignoring the flirtatious remark, Ms Ghani embraced the humour by reposting the comment and adding two telling emojis - a pair of spectacles and a shushing face. The original poster responded with enthusiasm: 'As if I wasn't impressed enough, you come up with this reply. Excellent.'
The banter continued as another enchanted follower chimed in with: 'Talk Tory to me...' to which Ms Ghani playfully replied: 'Ok - if you can handle it, send me coordinates.' Even her husband David Wheeldon joined the conversation, adding a simple but telling 'Ahem...' to the exchange.
Commons Authority Meets Public Approval
Beyond the social media amusement, Ms Ghani received genuine praise for her handling of the Budget proceedings. Her willingness to engage in light-hearted fun with her new followers was widely appreciated, with many noting the refreshing break from the typically serious nature of British politics.
One observer commented: 'An MP with a sense of humour! Crack on.' while another added: 'We have a class of politicians increasingly good at banter.'
Her performance chairing the Budget debate and her sartorial choices also drew compliments. An X user recalled: 'Watching you scold MPs yesterday took me right back 20 years to Bush House and facing a similar tongue lashing! I hope they're made of sterner stuff than me... I've still got the trembles!'
During the debate, Ms Ghani demonstrated her authority when someone foolishly attempted to interrupt her flow. The deputy speaker swiftly put them in their place, raising a hand and flashing a pitying smile as she quipped: 'I don't need any help.'
Serious Business Amid the Banter
While the social media exchanges provided entertainment, Ms Ghani maintained her professional duties with seriousness. She made her mark by rebuking the Government over premature leaks of Budget details, expressing clear dissatisfaction after the OBR spending watchdog shared online details ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Commons statement at 12.30pm.
Ms Ghani went further, condemning Treasury ministers for pre-Budget briefings which she said seemed to 'have reached an unprecedented high.' She told the Commons: 'For a number of weeks, and yet again yesterday, there have been extensive briefings to the media on the Government's fiscal policy and public finances. This disappointing trend in relation to Budget briefings has been growing for a number of years under successive governments, but appears to have reached an unprecedented high.'
The deputy speaker emphasised that the premature disclosure of Budget contents represents 'a supreme discourtesy to this House and to all the democratically elected members, not to mention to Mr Speaker and to myself, the Chairman of Ways and Means.'
Ms Ghani, who has been MP for the area since 2015, serves as the senior Deputy Speaker and chairs Parliament's Ways and Means committee. The Kashmir-born, Birmingham-raised politician was elected Deputy Speaker in July 2024, shortly after Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government came to power, having previously served in various ministerial roles during the former Conservative government.
