Political parties across the spectrum have rejected a by-election triggered by Nigel Farage, who announced he would resign as an MP in protest over intense scrutiny of undeclared cash and support. The Reform UK leader said he would stand down and then contest a “people versus the establishment” by-election, but several parties have since said they will not field candidates.
Farage Denies Wrongdoing Amid Investigations
The Clacton MP stated he had done nothing wrong, accusing Westminster opponents of using sleaze investigations as a “political tool” and the media of “haranguing” his family. He is already under investigation by the Commons standards watchdog over an undeclared £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne before entering Parliament. He also appeared to confirm a new probe over support provided by convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
Labour and Conservatives Refuse to Contest
Labour and the Conservatives said they would not take part in the by-election, calling for the investigations to proceed. A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Nigel Farage is engulfed in a sleaze scandal and he’s desperately trying to change the subject. It’s pathetic, and the Labour Party is not going to indulge it.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “We will be standing a candidate in the real by-election, which will follow the standards investigation into Nigel Farage’s fishy finances. We will not be standing a candidate in the fake by-election that Farage is causing to distract people from what is happening. We need to let that investigation run its course, and I think the reason why Nigel Farage has resigned is because he’s terrified that he’s going to be found to have done something wrong.”
Lib Dems and Others Join Rejection
The Liberal Democrats urged the Government to block Farage’s resignation until the investigation is complete, saying constituents need “all the facts”. Leader Sir Ed Davey said: “If this by-election does go ahead now, we are calling on all parties to stand aside and refuse to give oxygen to Farage’s vanity project. But the Government should just say no to Farage’s ego-trip and block his resignation until the Standards Commissioner has finished investigating him. The people of Clacton should have all the facts before they cast their votes.”
Rupert Lowe, leader of Restore Britain, said his party would not stand a candidate in the “unnecessary sham”. The Green Party was less certain, with a spokesman saying it was a decision for members in Clacton “but we are a political party – we contest elections”. Count Binface, however, said he would stand, posting on X: “Labour, Tories, Lib Dems and Greens: I demand you stand down in Clacton. I will be a unity candidate and pledge to build at least one affordable house.”
Starmer Calls It a 'Desperate Stunt'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier called Farage’s announcement “a desperate stunt” from a man “up to his neck in sleaze”. Farage is being investigated over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne, which he said was needed for security due to threats. He also said a Sunday Times investigation into George Cottrell triggered “yet another standards investigation”.
Cottrell, a long-term ally, reportedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Farage’s social media before the general election and allowed him to use a five-storey Georgian property near Buckingham Palace. Under Commons rules, new MPs must register gifts worth over £300 received in the previous 12 months, unless the gift “could not be reasonably thought by others” to relate to political activities.
Resignation Suspends Probe but Risks Recall
In a video statement, Farage said: “I have done nothing wrong. I have not broken the law in any way at all.” He claimed standards investigations are “now being used as a political tool”. His resignation will suspend Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg’s investigation, but it will resume if Farage wins the by-election. If found in breach and suspended for more than 10 sitting days, a recall petition could trigger another Clacton by-election.
New Revelations on Financial Links
On Tuesday, The Guardian reported that bankers raised a suspicious activity report with the National Crime Agency in May 2024 over concerns the Harborne gift could be laundered money. Deputy Reform UK leader Richard Tice accused the NCA of leaking his information after details of an £80 million loan his company received from Cottrell were published. The Telegraph also reported Tice’s think tank received a £1 million donation from Cottrell’s mother Fiona in June 2024, half of which he gave to Reform. Tice wrote to the NCA demanding an inquiry.
An NCA spokesperson said: “The NCA does not confirm or deny the receipt of suspicious activity reports (SARs), nor comment on how any SAR is used. SARs are confidential and breaching that confidentiality risks committing a tipping off offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”
Farage Lashes Out at Media
Farage earlier criticised the media following investigations by The Times and Sunday Times and a row with Sky News. He said he had “never been angrier in my life” over media treatment of his family, claiming The Times published a photo of where his daughter lives, with “no public interest” in her. He said broadcasters “harangued” her, including Sky News. Sky News said it made “reasonable efforts” to contact Farage with “legitimate questions to answer” and approached a property off-camera once; the occupant chose not to engage.
Farage declared: “I’ve decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions. This will be a ‘people versus the establishment’ by-election. It’s a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment to frankly tell them where to go.” He said Reform had offered to cover the cost, which could exceed £200,000, as “we asked for this by-election in the first place, it’s only right that we pay for it”.
Farage won Clacton in 2024 with a majority of 8,405 and 46.2% of the vote.
