By Ghazali Ibrahim
Labour MP Richard Burgon has challenged Reform UK leader Nigel Farage over his reported earnings outside Parliament, inviting him to attend a Westminster Hall debate on banning MPs from holding second jobs.
In a letter dated June 29, 2026, Burgon said Farage had reportedly earned more than £1.5 million from outside activities since being elected to Parliament, making him one of the highest-earning MPs from external work. He noted that only former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had declared higher outside earnings.
The letter also referred to a separate £5 million “gift” received by Farage, which Burgon said is currently under investigation by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.
Burgon, who has secured a debate on MPs’ second jobs for Wednesday, July 1, said he intends to use the session to push his Bill seeking to prohibit lawmakers from taking lucrative outside employment.
“Being an MP is not only a privilege but also a well-paid job,” Burgon wrote, noting that MPs earn an annual salary of £98,599 and that the public expects their elected representatives to devote their full attention to parliamentary duties.
He argued that MPs pursuing lucrative second jobs become increasingly detached from the people they represent, particularly at a time when many citizens are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis. He also warned that such arrangements further erode public confidence in politics.
“If MPs want to earn huge amounts through private-sector work, they are, of course, entitled to. But they should resign from Parliament before doing so,” Burgon stated.
Acknowledging that Farage is likely to oppose the proposal, Burgon invited him to attend the debate and explain why MPs should be allowed to continue earning substantial sums through second jobs.
The letter has renewed scrutiny of outside earnings by British lawmakers and is expected to fuel debate over whether MPs should be permitted to maintain lucrative private-sector engagements while serving in Parliament.
