Farage claimed he could not attend for fears of an ‘altercation’ (Image: Getty)
The MP at the heart of an extraordinary Commons clash with Nigel Farage, which he claimed stopped him attending the Budget, has been unmasked. Sources last night confirmed to the Daily Express that she was a Lib Dem, before The Daily Telegraph named her as South Devon MP Caroline Voaden.
The extraordinary row exploded after the Reform boss claimed he skipped Wednesday’s Budget statement in Parliament because his prayer card had been snatched from his seat. But Commons officials poured cold water on his excuse, saying the card had been removed by staff in line with the usual rules because it did not display a valid date stamp.
Prayer cards are the hotly contested tickets MPs use to bag a seat on the green benches. On Budget day, when the chamber is rammed to the rafters, they are worth their weight in gold.
Grilled at his post-Budget press conference over his no-show, Mr Farage dropped a bombshell. He claimed he had been involved in a “physical altercation” in the chamber at the last state opening of Parliament in May.
He said: “I didn’t want to, but I got involved in a physical altercation with an MP in the chamber.
“I didn’t make a fuss about it. I didn’t complain, but I could see that – given that my prayer card [seat reservation] had been removed – I was heading towards another physical altercation.”
He added: “Sometimes it’s better to avoid conflict.”
Tory MP Alicia Kearns also disputed Mr Farage’s account, pointing out that many seats in the chamber had no reservation.
Ms Voaden, 57, a former MEP and ex-chief executive of the charity Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, reportedly complained about the alleged incident to Commons authorities.
Ms Voaden was named as the MP (Image: House of Commons)
Elected in 2024, she is now the Lib Dems’ schools spokeswoman.
The Lib Dems say the incident happened during the State Opening of Parliament on May 13, when they allege Mr Farage pushed Ms Voaden aside and a male Lib Dem MP then challenged him.
She fired back at Mr Farage on X, responding to a clip of his comments: “And we both know that’s not true, Nigel, don’t we?
“I’m still waiting for the apology you were required to write to me… Though I won’t hold my breath.”
The war of words escalated as the Lib Dems alleged Mr Farage “shoved” a female MP, “sending her flying”.
A Lib Dem source told the Telegraph: “He seems to be suggesting that he was the victim, when the reality was quite the opposite.”
But a furious Reform UK source fired straight back: “Not true at all – it was the Lib Dem MPs being aggressive towards Nigel.”
Mr Farage missed Chancellor John Healey’s Budget statement and instead watched alongside a group of Reform UK economists.
Nigel Farage ‘Shove’ Row MP Named After Budget No-Show
Nigel Farage has found himself at the centre of a fresh political controversy after reports emerged of an alleged physical confrontation involving a Member of Parliament in Westminster. The incident attracted attention after Farage was noticeably absent from an important Budget session, prompting questions about what had happened behind the scenes and why the Reform UK leader had missed the parliamentary proceedings.
The alleged confrontation reportedly took place during a tense period in the House of Commons, where disagreements between politicians have become increasingly heated. Although parliamentary debates regularly involve shouting, accusations and personal criticism, any suggestion of physical contact between elected representatives raises serious questions about standards of behaviour at Westminster.
The controversy quickly became a talking point among political commentators and opposition politicians. Farage, who has built his political reputation around challenging the established political parties, is no stranger to confrontational exchanges. However, the latest allegations have shifted attention away from his usual criticism of government policy and towards the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
The Budget session was particularly important because Chancellor John Healey was outlining the government’s financial priorities and announcing measures affecting millions of British households. Farage’s absence was therefore noticeable, especially given Reform UK’s strong criticism of Labour’s taxation, immigration and public spending policies.
The MP reportedly connected to the alleged shove has also attracted attention, with questions being raised about the events leading up to the confrontation. However, the precise circumstances and responsibility for the incident should be established through reliable evidence rather than political speculation.
The incident comes at a time when relations between political parties are increasingly strained. Reform UK has been gaining attention through its criticism of the government’s approach to immigration, economic management and national security. Its growing influence has also intensified competition with the Conservatives, creating a particularly hostile atmosphere within Westminster.
Farage has repeatedly accused Labour of failing to control Britain’s borders and placing excessive financial pressure on taxpayers. He has also criticised the government’s economic strategy, arguing that ordinary working people are struggling while public spending continues to increase.
His absence from the Budget debate consequently created an opportunity for political opponents to question whether Reform UK could effectively challenge the government during an important parliamentary moment.
Meanwhile, the alleged confrontation has renewed discussion about parliamentary conduct. Members of Parliament are expected to represent their constituents and participate in political debate responsibly. Strong disagreements are part of democracy, but physical intimidation or aggressive behaviour should never become an acceptable feature of political life.
The Speaker of the House of Commons has authority to maintain order during parliamentary proceedings and can take action when members breach parliamentary rules. Depending on the circumstances, serious incidents may also require further investigation.
For Reform UK, the controversy presents an additional communications challenge. The party has attempted to position itself as an alternative to traditional Westminster politics, promising greater accountability and a different approach to government. Any allegations involving inappropriate conduct by its senior figures could undermine that message.
Nevertheless, Farage’s supporters may argue that the incident should not distract from the wider political issues facing Britain. The Budget itself contains important decisions about taxation, wages, energy costs and public services, all of which have direct consequences for households.
Ultimately, the alleged shove row has added another dramatic development to an already tense period in British politics. While Farage’s absence from the Budget session has attracted considerable attention, the most important issue is establishing exactly what happened and whether any formal action will follow.
The controversy also highlights the importance of maintaining professional standards in Parliament. Political disagreements can be fierce, but elected representatives must demonstrate that democratic debate can take place without intimidation or physical confrontation. For Nigel Farage and Reform UK, the coming days could prove important in addressing the allegations and restoring attention to the political issues they want voters to focus on.