Lib Dems and Reform UK Clash Over Alleged Commons Altercation

A war of words has ignited between the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK following an alleged physical altercation involving Reform leader Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden in the House of Commons. The dispute resurfaced when Farage, explaining his absence from a recent budget session, referenced a "physical altercation" with another MP at the State Opening of Parliament in May.

Voaden later identified herself as the MP Farage was referring to, stating on social media that she was "shocked and bloody angry" by the encounter. The Liberal Democrats assert that Farage "attempted to shove" their South Devon MP. However, a Reform UK source has accused the Liberal Democrats of "lying," claiming that video footage disproves the assertion of a shove.

Footage obtained by The Daily Telegraph shows Voaden and Farage leaving the parliamentary chamber together during the State Opening of Parliament, but the video does not visibly depict a significant altercation. Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson indicated that the incident occurred prior to the timing of the released footage.

According to Voaden, she was informed by Commons authorities that Farage had been ordered to apologize to her. The House of Commons has declined to comment on the matter.

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper shared her understanding of the event, stating, "My understanding - I didn't see it, I wasn't there - but my understanding is that he physically shoved one of our female MPs out of the way, and that one of our male MPs then challenged him on that." Reform MP Robert Jenrick, when asked about the incident, responded, "I am sick to death of these pathetic Westminster debates."

The incident's emergence nearly six months after it reportedly took place was prompted by questions regarding Farage's attendance at a recent Budget session. A spokesperson for the House of Commons clarified that a prayer card belonging to Farage was removed because it did not "display a valid date stamp" and was therefore "removed in line with the usual Chamber protocol."