London – In a sharp reminder of parliamentary protocol, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves today for unveiling new government policy on TikTok before informing MPs in the House of Commons.
During proceedings, Sir Lindsay expressed frustration at what he described as a growing tendency for ministers to bypass Parliament by making announcements directly to social media audiences. Sources indicate Reeves had posted or featured details of the latest policy measures on the video-sharing platform ahead of a formal statement to the House.
"This House should not learn of government policy via TikTok," the Speaker is understood to have remarked, underscoring the long-standing convention that major announcements must first be made to Parliament.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over the use of social media by senior ministers and the traditional primacy of the Commons chamber in democratic accountability. A Treasury source defended the approach, suggesting it was part of efforts to communicate directly with younger audiences, but opposition figures seized on the rebuke as further evidence of "disrespect" for parliamentary norms.
Sir Lindsay has previously issued similar warnings to the government over pre-briefing policies in interviews and abroad. No immediate apology from the Chancellor was reported.