During Prime Minister’s Questions, Nigel Farage faced criticism for earning money from additional jobs while also questioning the adequacy of the minimum wage for young workers. The leader of Reform UK has accumulated over £1 million from secondary employment since the general election. Recently, he expressed doubts about the minimum wage for younger employees, insinuating it might be too high. This income is in addition to his annual MP salary of £93,904.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, standing in for Keir Starmer during PMQs, mocked Farage for his significant earnings as an ambassador for Direct Bullion, a precious metals and gold dealer. Lammy highlighted the irony of Farage’s stance on minimum wage given his lucrative side jobs.
Adam Thompson, Labour MP for Erewash, raised concerns during PMQs about the disparity in wages, citing the substantial increase in the national minimum wage for young individuals. He questioned Lammy about the government’s position on the minimum wage, especially in light of criticisms from Conservative and Reform members. Lammy responded by emphasizing Labour’s commitment to supporting young workers and enhancing their earnings through initiatives like the youth guarantee.
Farage’s income streams over the past year include speaking engagements, social media collaborations, cameo videos, TV hosting for GB News, article writing, and his role as an ambassador for Direct Bullion.
In a press conference on Monday, Farage argued that the minimum wage might be too high for younger workers, proposing a reconsideration given the adjustments in National Insurance Contribution thresholds.
At the Tory conference last year, Kemi Badenoch suggested that the minimum wage was burdening businesses, along with maternity pay. The current minimum wage rates stand at £7.55 for under 18s, £10 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £12.21 for individuals aged 21 and above.