Lib Dem MP accuses Farage of shoving

Caroline Voaden, a Liberal Democrat MP, says Nigel Farage grabbed her by the arm and pushed her aside at the state opening of parliament in May this year.

What Voaden says happened

Farage told her to let him past. She said he should wait his turn like everyone else. He grabbed her by the arm or shoulder and pushed her to one side.

“No, you can wait your turn like everyone else”

A colleague intervened

One of Voaden's male colleagues tried to stop Farage because he thought she was going to fall down the stairs. The male MP is understood to be Max Wilkinson.

Voaden complained to parliament

Voaden said she complained to the serjeant at arms, who she believed had written to Farage asking him to apologise. She also raised it with the speaker. Nothing came of it.

Reform UK denies the account

Reform sources said it was not true and that Lib Dem MPs were being aggressive towards Farage. They called it typical Lib Dem dishonesty in an attempt to stay relevant.

“not true at all, it was the Lib Dem MPs being aggressive towards Nigel”

Farage skipped the budget speech

Farage said he skipped John Healey's budget speech in the Commons on Wednesday because his seat reservation had been moved and he wanted to avoid conflict in the chamber.

Voaden demands her apology

Voaden posted on social media saying Farage's claim about risking another physical altercation was not true. She said she was still waiting for the apology he was required to write to her.

“I'm still waiting for the apology you were required to write to me”

Reform refuses to engage

Robert Jenrick, Reform's shadow chancellor, said he was sick of Westminster debates and refused to dignify what he called nonsense from Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem deputy leader.

“I am sick to death of these pathetic Westminster debates”