Labour MP Samantha Niblett arrived at Buckingham Palace in her Fiat Abarth 500 without a valid MOT certificate, drawing attention from colleagues and sparking a social media stir. Ms. Niblett has since admitted the 'honest mistake' and renewed the certificate, but the incident highlights the importance of vehicle maintenance and legal compliance even for high-profile individuals.
Labour MP Samantha Niblett may have intended to project a down-to-earth image when she drove her modest hatchback onto the grounds of Buckingham Palace . However, her attempt at appearing relatable backfired spectacularly when it was revealed that her car lacked a valid MOT certificate. Ms. Niblett was among hundreds of newly elected MPs and peers invited to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Palace.
Pictures emerged of her shaking hands with the King during the event, but her arrival in her white Abarth 500, a variant of the Fiat 500, drew surprised glances from her colleagues, some of whom even took photos. It was subsequently discovered that the South Derbyshire MP's car was ten days overdue for its annual inspection. Driving without a valid MOT is strictly prohibited unless the purpose is to obtain a renewal certificate. The Gov.uk website clearly states: 'You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.' Furthermore, in most cases, such a lapse would also invalidate a motor insurance policy. Ms. Niblett, one of the many new Labour MPs elected last year, could potentially face a fine of up to £1,000 for the oversight. However, she has since admitted to the 'honest mistake' and emphasized that she had promptly renewed the certificate. In a statement to the publication, she explained: 'I believed my MOT was due in February, and as any busy single mum with a full-time job will tell you, you sometimes get things wrong.' She added, 'As soon as I discovered the issue, I booked in with a garage, where the car passed its MOT. This was an honest mistake, and I apologise.'The reception at the Palace last month saw new MPs and peers invited to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla, with Sir Keir Starmer also in attendance. Pictures showed Ms. Niblett smiling during the lavish event as she conversed with the King. On Instagram, she later expressed what an 'incredible honour' it was to have been invited by their Majesties and highlighted representing South Derbyshire. She also took the opportunity to thank the King for his tireless efforts in raising awareness about environmental issues and the climate crisis. Last night, another MP commented on Ms. Niblett's MOT lapse, stating that 'it was one we could all make.' However, he also pointed out that her choice of transportation to the Palace was rather conspicuous. 'I think most of us walked up from Westminster,' he said, adding that he was unaware that driving a car into Buckingham Palace was an option. Ms. Niblett herself declined to comment on her travel arrangements. The Mail on Sunday, however, understands that the Palace does offer parking facilities upon request. Before the last election, Ms. Niblett, who overturned a substantial Conservative majority to win her Midlands seat, was recognized as one of ten 'rising stars' in her party with the potential to play a significant role in a Labour government. The aspiring MP, who co-founded the Labour Women in Tech organization, was quoted in The Guardian as saying that one of her 'biggest drivers' was demonstrating to her 16-year-old daughter what was achievable. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the matter.
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