Reform UK MPs Stage Mass Walkout After Starmer's Jibe at PMQs
Nigel Farage orchestrated a dramatic mass walkout of Reform UK MPs during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, following a pointed jibe from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The incident unfolded in the House of Commons, highlighting growing tensions between the government and the opposition party.
Starmer's Well-Timed Jibe Sparks Controversy
During the session, Starmer responded to a question about banning political donations from overseas donors and cryptocurrency. He seized the opportunity to target Reform UK, stating, "There is only one party leader who has shown he will say anything, no matter how divisive, if he is paid to do so." This remark appeared to reference Farage's side-hustle on the platform Cameo, where he records personalized videos for payment.
The timing was impeccable, as Speaker Lindsay Hoyle immediately called on Farage to ask the next question. Farage, visibly irritated, stood up to query the government's plans on "Smashing the Gangs," but Starmer largely ignored the question. Instead, the Prime Minister launched into a critique of Reform UK's voting record and its support for the ongoing war, reminding MPs that local elections are just six weeks away.
Farage's Thin-Skinned Reaction Leads to Walkout
Farage took deep offense at Starmer's comments, despite the Prime Minister's response not being personal. In a move that seemed either pre-planned or a spontaneous act of petulance, Farage muttered "Let's go" to nearby MPs, prompting a mass exit. Initially, only five of the eight Reform MPs walked out, with Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman, and Andrew Rossindell hesitating before eventually joining the retreat.
This display was widely perceived as a pathetic show of defiance, making the MPs resemble "half-witted sulky teenagers." Jenrick, the last to leave, attempted a contemptuous hand gesture but only succeeded in looking childish. The episode underscored Reform UK's nature as a personality cult, where MPs are expected to show total obedience to Farage or face political wilderness.
Badenoch's Struggles Add to Tory Woes
Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch had a challenging day at PMQs. She appeared flat and disheartened, possibly due to recent polls placing the Conservatives in fourth place behind the Greens. Badenoch asked repeated questions about the Rosebank and Jackdaw oilfields, but Starmer provided straightforward answers, noting that fossil fuels remain part of the UK's energy mix and that legal processes are underway.
Badenoch's persistence backfired, as she seemed unaware of key details, such as the differences between Norwegian and British ownership models and international energy pricing. Her attempts to quote Tony Blair in defense fell flat, and her admission that she would break the law as prime minister raised voter suspicions. Starmer capitalized on this, repeating his answers and jabbing at her shifting stance on the war.
Davey's Intervention Seals Badenoch's Bad Day
To make matters worse, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey intervened, stating that as a former energy minister, he could confirm Starmer was "100% right" in the exchange. Badenoch heckled briefly before falling into a private sulk, though she refrained from walking out. This small restraint was noted as a minor victory in an otherwise dismal performance.
The events at PMQs revealed deepening fractures in UK politics, with Reform UK's theatrical exit and the Conservatives' struggles signaling a turbulent period ahead. As local elections approach, these dynamics could influence voter perceptions and party strategies.
