Nigel Farage is officially no longer the MP for Clacton after the Chancellor granted his request to quit Parliament, triggering a by-election in which he will stand again. The Treasury announced the news in a press release: 'The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Nigel Paul Farage to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.'
Reeves Accepts Resignation with Binface Jibe
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed she would accept Farage's resignation, stating on social media: 'I will accept Nigel Farage's request to be appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead. It is a farce and a desperate distraction, and the people of Clacton deserve better. But if he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won't stop him.' The 'bin' refers to Count Binface, the satirical candidate who has announced he will stand against Farage.
Major Parties Refuse to Contest By-Election
Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and Restore have all ruled out standing a candidate in Clacton, leaving Count Binface as Farage's only declared opponent. Reform UK has proposed a by-election date of August 6, moving the writ on Thursday morning.
Starmer Calls Farage a 'Complete Charlatan'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking at the NATO summit, said Farage had 'run into a cul-de-sac' and been 'utterly exposed as a complete charlatan.' He added: 'We know why he's done it. He's absolutely up to his neck in sleaze.' Starmer declined to endorse Count Binface, noting it would be against Labour Party rules.
Farage Defends Himself Amid Scrutiny
Farage hit the campaign trail in Clacton, stating: 'I have nothing to apologise for at all. I haven't broken the law in any way at all.' He accused the media and other parties of painting him 'like a crook' and insisted voters should be his judge. The by-election comes amid a parliamentary watchdog investigation into an undeclared £5m gift from a crypto billionaire, and analysis shows Farage earned over £2 million from second jobs since the election.
Public Opposition and Political Reactions
A YouGov poll found 43% of the public oppose Farage's decision to call a by-election, compared to 24% who support it. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Reeves to block the resignation until the investigation concludes, calling it a 'cynical ploy.' Jeremy Corbyn called Farage 'the epitome of the establishment,' while Kemi Badenoch suggested Count Binface could be the 'people's candidate.'
