who is nusrat ghani? the deputy speaker overseeing rachel reeves' budget

An MP has become a new political star after her fierce interventions during Wednesday’s Budget.

Nusrat Ghani,the deputy speaker of the House of Commons,chaired the Budget in the House of Commons.

Her colourful checkered tie and quick-witted quips towards MPs have caught the attention of new fans.

Ms Ghani,who also goes by Nus,kicked off proceedings with a fiery statement criticising the string of leaks in the led up to the Chancellor’s midday statement.

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Hello,I’m Craig Munro: Metro‘s man in Westminster and writer of our weekly politics newsletter Alright,Gov?Each week I break down the latest government policies and bring you insights from behind the scenes in the Houses of Parliament.Political Reporter Craig Munro on Downing Street.This week,my focus is on the Budget and how it will affect your wallet.Sign up to my newsletter to make sure you don't miss a thing on Wednesday.Nusrat Ghani has made history throughout her career (Picture: Muhammed Yaylali/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)She criticised the trend as ‘disappointing’ and said it falls short of standards that the house expects.‘Like many,I expected better,’ she said.Ms Ghani effectively shut down rowdy backbench MPs,telling one heckler ‘I don’t need any help’.She also silence a Conservative MP Luke Evans when she told him: ‘Order – far too much noise.‘I expected so much better from you Dr Luke Evans. You’re meant to be a leader in your community.’Her firm handling of unruly politicians quickly won her praise from commentators online.Andrew Wilson said: ‘Deputy Speaker is usually superb,and today exemplifies why. Who could ignore that sshhh?’Whereas journalist Sophie Wilkinson said: ‘Nusrat Ghani truly serving looks and a telling off.’

Who is Nusrat Ghani?

She is the first ethnic minority MP to serve in The Chair (Picture: David Cliff/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)Nusrat Ghani is the Conservative MP for Sussex Weald.She’s been an MP since the 2015 general election,when she was first elected to the constituency of Wealden.The 53-year-old held a variety of roles serving the Conservative government before took power in 2024.Ms Ghani served as a minister in the Foreign Office,Cabinet Office,Transport Department and the Department for Business and Trade.During her ministerial career she made history as the first female Muslim to speak from the Dispatch Box,when she answered Transport Questions in 2018.Ms Ghani has also become a well-renowned China hawk.In march 2021,she sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party among five other MPs.She called this decision ‘an unprecedented move by the CCP to intimidate British MPs’.Ms Ghani has many responsibilities as Chair of the Ways and Means (Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)In July 2024,she was elected Chairman of the Ways and Means and Deputy Speaker.This has made her the first ethnic minority MP to serve in The Chair of the House of Commons.As Chairman of the Ways and Means,she deputises for the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle as well as a host of other specific responsibilities.These include chairing Committees of the whole House, coordinating the sittings in Westminster Hall and oversight of all matters connected with Private Bills.They are also in charge of chairing the Budget,which is why Ms Ghani was on our screens during Wednesday’s proceedings.