It’s a red letter day for Nigel Farage. The former Ukip leader entered parliament this month at the eighth attempt of trying and today delivered his maiden speech to fellow MPs. In an address that mixed wit and wisdom, Farage observed the custom of paying tribute to a member’s predecessor by saying of Giles Watling that he was a ‘jolly nice chap’ despite ‘having nothing even vaguely conservative about him.’ But there is one Commons convention that Mr S understands he will not be observing.
All MPs are invited attend inclusion and diversity training by the House of Commons, with newly elected members offered a place on seminars titled ‘Behaviour Code: Why it matters’ as part of their induction programme. While this training is not mandatory, MPs are encouraged by parliamentary bosses to sign up to these programmes in a move to provide what they call ‘an inclusive working environment.’ It’s all part of a push to clamp down on misdemeanours in Westminster, with the late, great octogenarian Betty Boothroyd once being advised to take sexual harassment training or reportedly face the risk of expulsion from the Lords.
When asked, the House of Commons media team declined to provide an on-the-record statement today. But Steerpike understands that Farage is the only one of the Reform party’s five-man band who is yet to undertake such seminars, with the likelihood of him conceding in the ‘diversity stand-off’ being about as probable as his leadership of the ‘Rejoin’ movement.
Still, if he is forced to throw in the towel, Mr S just hopes he livestreams his training for all the nation to enjoy…
Comments