Nigel Farage MP (Clacton/Reform UK) may have taken up much more media time slots more often recently since his election to the House of Commons, but his appearance in the Chamber is often subject to the most scrutiny.
It’s a point that many experts on Parliament make to illustrate how our political system is being used by those that want to be in it most. It’s almost a litmus test of truth, integrity, and commitment to the system by those that know it best.
Farage has a vote participation rate of 33.5% (according to Public Whip), and that is 69 out of 206 times he could have voted. It’s somewhat low, but for a leader that is active in expanding his party’s presence, it counts as a valid effort.
Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton/Liberal Democrats), as leader of the Liberal Democrats, has a marginally higher rate of attendance. He shows 44.2% – just over 10% more than Farage since July 2024. It’s not a huge difference between them, but he has more duties.
If Farage is to lead a significant rebellion of seriousness on policy he needs to pay attention to this fact. Reform UK may grow in size – and outside effect – but its progress needs to be matched in the House to provide any sort of return for its voters.