Nus Ghani accused of preparing Commons heckler rebukes in advance

Deputy Speaker Nus Ghani has been accused of preparing some of her humorous rebukes to Tory hecklers during Chancellor John Healey’s Budget speech in advance. Critics say the remarks may have been intended to raise her profile and strengthen her prospects of succeeding Sir Lindsay Hoyle as Speaker, though Ghani’s allies reject the claims.

Ghani drew attention for telling shadow energy minister Luke Evans to “write yourself a prescription to calm down”. A senior Conservative MP claimed she had told at least one colleague he was “on my list” for a possible rebuke; Evans and other MPs said they had no warning. Hoyle became Speaker in 2019 and is expected to serve for at least ten years, while Ghani has a majority of 6,842 in Sussex Weald.