Nigel Farage skipped John Healey's Budget following 'physical altercation' with MP

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said he skipped John Healey's first Budget today following a "physical altercation" with an MP earlier this year.

Mr Farage, who is accused of missing key moments in the House of Commons, claimed the incident took place ahead of the State Opening of Parliament on May 13.

Speaking to journalists after Mr Healey's Budget, Mr Farage said: "At the State Opening of Parliament, I didn't want to, but I got involved in a physical altercation with an MP in the chamber.

"I didn't make a fuss about it, I didn't complain. But I could see, given my prayer card had been removed, I was heading towards another physical altercation.

The Reform UK leader revealed he was aware his prayer card had been removed ahead of Prime Minister's Questions at midday.

Mr Farage instead sat with a group of economists while the Chancellor was delivering his Budget.

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