Nigel Farage breaks parliamentary rules on first day back
Nigel Farage broke parliamentary rules within hours of returning to the Commons after winning the Clacton by-election, filming a video of himself on the roof of the Houses of Parliament without seeking the required permission. The roof is treated as especially sensitive for security reasons, and a Commons spokesperson said unauthorised filming on the estate is not permitted, with breaches normally addressed by the Serjeant at Arms reminding the MP of the rules.
In the video, Farage said he was pleased to be back "with an increased majority and more votes than we got in the general election", despite his main rival, Count Binface, taking over 20 per cent of the vote. Farage's return also reopens a parliamentary standards investigation into a £5m gift he received from crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne before taking his Commons seat, which he insists was personal rather than political; a suspension of more than 10 days if he is found to have breached the rules could trigger a recall petition and a second by-election in Clacton.
In short
- Farage filmed unauthorised video on parliament's roof on return day
- Commons rules require permission for filming anywhere on the estate
- His £5m Harborne gift investigation has now reopened
Explained simply
The House of Commons is the elected chamber of the UK Parliament, where MPs represent local areas and take part in debates and votes. Its buildings and grounds are known as the parliamentary estate, and MPs must follow rules on access, security and filming there.
Nigel Farage leads Reform UK and became MP for Clacton after winning a by-election, a vote held to fill a seat that has become vacant between general elections. MPs are also subject to standards rules on conduct and on whether gifts or other benefits need to be declared.
The parliamentary standards system examines whether MPs have followed those rules. A sufficiently long suspension can allow voters in an MP’s constituency to sign a recall petition; if enough sign, a further by-election is held.