Nigel Farage Criticised at PMQs Over Earnings from Second Jobs
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faced criticism during Prime Minister's Questions for earning over £1 million from additional jobs since the last general election, while simultaneously questioning the minimum wage for young workers.
Farage's Additional Income
Farage receives substantial revenue from second jobs, which supplements his £93,904 salary as an MP. One notable role highlighted was his position as an ambassador for Direct Bullion, a precious metals and gold dealer.
Deputy PM Responds to Farage
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, standing in for Keir Starmer, mocked Farage's financial gains at PMQs:
“He makes quite a lot out of being an ambassador for Direct Bullion.”
Farage responded nonverbally with a thumbs up while seated on the opposition benches.
Labour MP Raises Minimum Wage Issue
Adam Thompson, Labour MP for Erewash, questioned Deputy PM Lammy, contrasting current wages with the past:
“Since this government has massively boosted the national minimum wage for young people, my constituents in Erewash earn far more than the £3.40 an hour I got paid in my first job just 17 years ago.”
Context of the Debate
- Farage recently suggested the minimum wage for younger workers might be too high.
- This remark came amid his lucrative second-job earnings, drawing strong criticism.
Author's summary: Nigel Farage's significant earnings from second jobs sparked sharp criticism during PMQs, especially contrasting with his comments doubting the adequacy of the youth minimum wage increase.