In a rare moment of levity at Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer delivered a festive joke that caught the House of Commons by surprise. The Labour leader, not known for his comedic timing, managed to elicit genuine laughter from MPs across the chamber with a pointed gag aimed at Reform UK.
A Black Swan Event in Westminster
The moment occurred during Starmer's traditional opening monologue in what was his final Commons appearance before Christmas. After addressing serious matters including antisemitism, he offered seasonal advice to the Reform party. "If mysterious men appear from the east, this time report it to the police," Starmer quipped, in a clear reference to the controversy surrounding former Reform MEP Nathan Gill, who was accused of failing to declare meetings with individuals allegedly linked to Russian intelligence.
Observers noted this constituted a "black swan event" in Westminster - a genuine rarity where Starmer successfully landed a humorous remark. While his delivery might lack the polish of a seasoned comedian, the joke's substance resonated through a chamber more accustomed to forced, partisan laughter.
Farage's Frosty Reception
The joke's reception was notably divided. While MPs from most parties laughed, Nigel Farage sat stony-faced in his preferred position in the Special Gallery above the government benches. The Reform leader's apparent displeasure contrasted sharply with the general mood, suggesting he failed to see the funny side of Starmer's reference to political controversies involving his party.
Farage's absence from the main chamber itself became a subject of speculation. The Commons rules permit him only one question every six weeks, a limitation that appears to chafe against his preference for centre stage. His positioning in the gallery seemed to underscore a "monumental sulk" about these parliamentary constraints.
Seasonal Barbs and Political Point-Scoring
Emboldened by his successful joke, Starmer continued to target Reform throughout the session. He noted the rare appearance of Reform MP Sarah Pochin, expressing hope she would get the "white Christmas" she desired - a barb referencing her controversial comments about diversity in advertising.
The Labour leader also turned his attention directly to Farage, suggesting the season of goodwill might be an appropriate time for the Reform leader to apologise for alleged historical racial abuse of former Dulwich College students, as reported in The Guardian. Farage's expression suggested apology was far from his mind.
The remainder of PMQs saw Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch exchange lacklustre Christmas-themed puns in what observers described as a "bloodless endurance contest." Badenoch attempted to criticise Starmer's recent comments about government levers not working properly, but the attack fell flat as the Labour leader had just secured a win on the Erasmus scheme announcement.
The session concluded with Starmer highlighting internal Conservative discord, referencing shadow transport secretary Richard Holden's dismissive comments about his own frontbench colleagues. The remark underscored the ongoing tensions within the Tory party as parliament adjourned for the Christmas recess.
