'Absolutely bonkers!' Row breaks out over fears Nigel Farage could be banned from GB News show

The committee, chaired by Labour frontbencher Lucy Powell, will consider tightening rules on second jobs.

This move could impact several MPs who currently host television or radio programmes, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Political commentator Chloe Dobbs criticised the proposal, calling it "absolutely bonkers." She argued that MPs hosting shows can help restore trust and connect with constituents.

Speaking to Mark Dolan on GB News she said: "I think this is an absolutely bonkers proposal. Now I completely understand if an MP is spending all day, every day doing GB News shows and neglecting their job as an MP, then fine."

She explained: "We've had a huge issue for many years with people feeling like they're completely disconnected from the parliamentarians that represent them, especially around Brexit, where we had three quarters of Parliament being pro-Remain and people feeling like they're pitted against.

"I think this is a great way to restore trust and for people to feel like they're having proper conversations with MPs, because when it's just a journalist going up to an MP with a microphone and they give this typical politician's answer, you don't really learn anything from it. You don't really understand their proper thinking."

However, Andy Williams offered a contrasting view. Whilst supporting higher pay for MPs and not objecting to second jobs, he expressed concerns about Farage's commitments.

He sai: "The problem I have with Nigel Farage as an MP is not that he's doing shows on GB news, it's that he's flying back and forth from the UK to the United States."

Farage has vehemently criticised the committee's plans, accusing Labour of trying to "bully" him and Lee Anderson.

On his GB News show earlier this week, Farage said: "I don't see any conflicts of interest whatsoever. In fact, I might make an argument that's slightly different; that I'm here with a panel of people. Some agree with me, some disagree with me. We have an open debate." He directly challenged Lucy Powell: "If you're coming after us and think you can bully us, you've picked on the wrong people. I'm not going anywhere you want to martyr me, please have a go."

Lee Anderson also responded, stating: "They're trying to shut us down and silence us. But this great country won't tolerate this."

The debate extends beyond current MPs, with potential implications for Labour politicians who have previously hosted media shows, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy and MPs Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry.

The Modernisation Committee's proposal has sparked a broader debate about MPs' roles and public trust. While some argue that media engagements can enhance transparency and voter connection, others worry about potential conflicts of interest.

Lucy Powell, chairing the committee, emphasised the need for high standards in parliament: "It is a great privilege to serve constituents as a member of parliament, but this privilege requires us to embody the very highest standards."

The committee's focus extends beyond media appearances, with plans to address bullying, harassment, and abuse as top priorities. It also aims to reform Commons procedures to increase scrutiny of government legislation.