Nigel Farage ‘breaks parliamentary rules’ on first day back

On his first day back after a by-election he called because of allegations he had broken parliamentary rules, Nigel Farage appears to have broken parliamentary rules.

On Tuesday, Farage was sworn in as the MP for Clacton for a second time following his by-election victory over Count Binface last month.

To celebrate his return to the Commons, Farage decided to film a video of him walking across the roof of the Houses of Parliament.

In the video, which he shared on social media, Farage spoke about the ‘extraordinary’ building and Big Ben ‘bonging’ behind him.

However, it turns out that the stunt might have landed Farage in hot water with Parliament, less than a day after returning as an MP.

Anyone looking to film or take pictures on the parliamentary estate requires permission from parliamentary authorities.

In particular, there is sensitivity around the rooftop of the historic building due to safety and security concerns.

The i Paper reports that neither Farage or Reform looked to get permission or had it granted to them.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: “Unauthorised photography or filming is not permitted on the parliamentary estate.

“Where it is seen or reported to be happening, the individual in question will be asked to stop and reminded of the rules.

“Where breaches are observed or reported, the Serjeant at Arms will discuss with (or write to) the Member involved to clarify, remind of and reiterate the rules.”

Reacting to the apparent rule breach on social media, some wondered if Farage had set a new record.

Others couldn’t help but see the irony in Farage appearing to break parliamentary rules on his first day back after a by-election he called because of allegations he had broken parliamentary rules.

Back in 2023, Farage’s now-Reform colleague Lee Anderson was reprimanded by Parliament’s standards commissioner for filming an ad for his TV show on the House of Commons rooftop.

At the time, Anderson had been a Tory MP, and he was ordered by the party deputy chair to apologise for the error