More car trouble for Nigel Farage as jam forces him to miss Question Time

Updated

Nigel Farage's political career fell foul of traffic again after a jam stopped him taking his seat on an episode of Question Time.

The Ukip leader was caught in standstill traffic on the A1 as he made his way to Bradford for Thursday's BBC programme, leaving his No 2, deputy leader Paul Nuttall, to stand in.

The outspoken MEP was due to face off against Energy Secretary Amber Rudd, Labour MP Shabana Mahmood, Liberal Democrat president Baroness Brinton and political journalist Isabel Oakeshott.

He tweeted shortly after 8.30pm: "Now been at a standstill for 90 mins on the A1. bbcqt doubtful. Damn."

It was the first major televised debate following the announcement of David Cameron draft EU reform proposals.

Mr Farage made his frustration clear but did not reveal how far from Bradford he was, although there were reports that an accident in Nottinghamshire had closed all lanes on the northbound carriageway.

In a nod to a 1979 hit by band XTC producers tweeted: "We were making plans for Nigel_Farage - but travel problems mean he'll be replaced by paulnuttallukip. bbcqt."

The delay prompted an outpouring of ridicule on twitter toward the MEP, who is campaigning for Britain to leave the EU.

Former Tory MP Louise Mensch jibed: "Lead the Brexit campaign, Nigel_Farage? you can't even find the motorway exit. Refreshing lunch, was it? bbcqt chocolateteapot"

Despite the late line-up change BBC's hour-long flagship debate programme was broadcast at 22.45 and got off to a lively start with a question on Mr Cameron's EU reforms.

In December 2014 Mr Farage blamed his failure to turn up to a reception with supporters in Wales on "open-door" immigration.

"It took me six hours and 15 minutes to get here - it should have taken three-and-a-half to four," he said.

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