Drama as Gay MP Proposes to Partner in Parliament

Drama as Gay MP Proposes to Partner in Parliament

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has revealed he proposed to his long-term partner, Connor, on the floor of the House of Commons after official parliamentary business had concluded — and received an enthusiastic “yes”.

The Liberal Democrat MP, who has represented his hometown in East Sussex since July last year, shared the news on Monday, November 17, describing the moment as one he and his partner would “always remember”.

Taking to Facebook, Babarinde wrote: “With the Speaker’s permission last week, I asked a very special question in the House of Commons after official business had finished for the day — not to the Prime Minister, but to my partner Connor (on his birthday!) … and his answer was YES!”

According to the BBC, the surprise proposal was carefully planned after Babarinde sought approval from Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The MP said it felt especially meaningful to ask such a personal question in the chamber where he had posed “hundreds” of official questions since entering Parliament.

He added his thanks to those who helped bring the moment together, saying: “A big thank you to Mr Speaker and the team in Parliament for helping to make this happen, together with fellow Sussex MP Jess Brown-Fuller, who helped me plan an unforgettable marriage proposal!”

The proposal marks a rare personal moment in a chamber more commonly associated with political disputes and legislative scrutiny. Babarinde said the significance of the location — and the support he received from parliamentary staff — made the engagement particularly memorable.