Farage skips budget over concerns about Commons seating row

Nigel Farage missed the chancellor’s first budget in the House of Commons.

The Reform UK leader said he stayed away because he feared a dispute over a reserved seat could turn into a physical confrontation with another MP.

A Commons spokesperson said the seat card was removed because it did not have a valid date stamp, as required by the usual rules.

At a press conference, Farage said he was shocked by the £10bn planned for Ukraine and wanted assurances the money would be properly spent.

He also reaffirmed Reform’s plan for a 10% tax rate on crypto gains, saying it would encourage people to use a regulated industry.

Farage said budget measures suggested a general election could come next May, and that Reform would be ready as early as December.