Nigel Farage faced criticism for a theatrical display during Prime Minister’s Questions. The leader of Reform UK chose to sit in the spectators’ gallery of the House of Commons instead of on the MPs’ benches, expressing discontent over not being selected to speak during the session.
Accompanied by Brexit supporter Arron Banks, Farage labeled himself a mere spectator, seemingly disregarding the random selection process used to determine which MPs get to ask questions during PMQs.
MPs derided the right-wing figure’s attention-seeking act, highlighting his frequent absences from parliamentary sessions in favor of trips to the US, suggesting that his commitment to representing constituents in the chamber was lacking.
Following his absence from a PMQs session after a visit to the US where he criticized Britain, Keir Starmer launched a scathing rebuke at Farage. Starmer emphasized that Farage’s choice to badmouth the country rather than fulfill his duties in Parliament was unacceptable.
In response, Farage defended his decision to spectate from the public gallery, citing a lack of opportunity to respond to attacks from the PM and Labour MPs during PMQs. Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant criticized Farage for consistently being a bystander who critiques others without taking responsibility for his own policies.
A source from the Labour party accused Farage and his Reform MPs of attending Parliament solely for social media optics. The source suggested that Farage should reflect on the potential harm his proposals could inflict on Britain during his self-imposed absence.
Another Labour MP criticized Farage for his limited attendance at PMQs and suggested that he should participate in parliamentary proceedings like other backbenchers. Additionally, a Liberal Democrat spokeswoman remarked on Farage’s tendency to belittle others.
Farage’s recent complaints about not being given an opportunity to speak during PMQs highlighted his frustration with the process of question selection. The article further explained the procedure of how MPs are chosen to ask questions during PMQs.
Apart from the random selection of MPs for questions, the Leader of the official Opposition and the leader of the third largest party also have allocated questions during PMQs. Kemi Badenoch typically asks six questions on behalf of the Tories, while Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, is allotted two questions.