Lib Dem deputy leader accuses Farage of shoving female MP during Commons row

Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, has accused Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, of physically shoving a female Lib Dem MP during the state opening of Parliament. The accusation concerns an incident earlier in 2026, and it surfaced after Farage explained why he had missed a recent budget speech.

Farage said he skipped John Healey's budget speech in the House of Commons, the lower chamber of Parliament. He said his seat reservation had been moved. Commons staff had removed it because it did not carry the proper date stamp, according to the Guardian. Farage also said he stayed away to avoid a possible "physical altercation", as reported by the Independent.

Farage claimed he had been involved in a physical altercation with another MP on the day of the state opening of Parliament in May, and that he kept away from the chamber to avoid conflict. The state opening is the ceremony that marks the start of a new parliamentary session.

Cooper said Lib Dem MPs were involved in the May incident. Her understanding was that Farage physically shoved a female Lib Dem MP out of the way, and that a male Lib Dem MP then challenged him. She said she did not see or witness the incident herself.

The female MP is believed to be Caroline Voaden. Voaden has publicly said she is still waiting for an apology that Farage was required to write to her.

A Reform source disputed the Lib Dem account. The source said Lib Dem MPs had been aggressive towards Farage.