Who is Nusrat Ghani? The deputy speaker overseeing Rachel...

Who is Nusrat Ghani? The deputy speaker overseeing Rachel Reeves’ budget

Luke Alsford Published November 26, 2025 1:12pm Updated November 26, 2025 1:20pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments PMQs Budget 2025

Nus Ghani made a fiery statement in the House of Commons today

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.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 12: Minister of State for Industry in the Department for Business and Trade Nusrat Ghani speaks during the meeting in London, England on June 12, 2023. The Presidential Investment Office organized a reception at the Embassy of Turkiye in London on the occasion of the Turkish Century with the theme " Turkiye: Your Resilient Investment Partner" at the Embassy of Turkiye in London. The reception was attended by public officials from Turkiye and the UK, as well as many Turkish, British and international investors. (Photo by Muhammed Yaylali/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Nusrat Ghani has made history throughout her career (Picture: Muhammed Yaylali/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Confused about this week's Budget?

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.

Craig Munro at No 10 Downing Street Political Reporter Craig Munro on Downing Street.

This week, my focus is on the Budget and how it will affect your wallet.

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 also effectively shut down rowdy backbench MPs, telling one heckler ‘I don’t need any help’.

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?

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.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 22: Conservative Party MP Nusrat Ghani joins members of the Uighur community and human rights activists demonstrating outside the Houses of Parliament in London, United Kingdom on April 22, 2021. Members of Parliament today debate and are expected to vote on a motion calling on the House of Commons to declare that Uighur Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities in China's Xinjiang province are suffering crimes against humanity and genocide. (Photo by David Cliff/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

She is the first ethnic minority MP to serve in The Chair (Picture: David Cliff/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

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’.

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.

Nusrat Ghani MP at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit on 14th September 2016 in London, United Kingdom. MPs were encouraged to sign the NFUs pledge and wear a British wheat and wool pin badge to show their support. (photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images Images)

Ms Ghani has many responsibilities as Chair of the Ways and Means (Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)

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.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Arrow MORE: Electric vehicle tax costing up to £255 per year confirmed in Autumn Budget

Arrow MORE: Two-child benefit cap scrapped by Chancellor Rachel Reeves

Arrow MORE: Everything you need to know about Rachel Reeves’ new Help to Save scheme

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Alright Gov

Straight-talking analysis from Westminster, straight to your inbox.

Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign Up

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy