Political parties across the spectrum have refused to contest a by-election triggered by Nigel Farage, who announced he would resign as Clacton MP to protest intense scrutiny over unregistered donations and support. The Reform UK leader said he would stand down and then fight a 'people versus the establishment' by-election, but several parties have since declared they will not field candidates.
Farage Denies Wrongdoing, Accuses Opponents of Political Tactics
Farage, who comfortably won Clacton in 2024 with a majority of 8,405 and 46.2% of the vote, said he had done nothing wrong. He accused Westminster opponents of using sleaze investigations as a 'political tool' and the media of 'haranguing' his family. The Clacton MP is already under investigation by the Commons standards watchdog over an undeclared £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne, and he appeared to confirm a second probe over support from convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
Labour and Conservatives Refuse to Participate
Labour and the Conservatives said they would not take part in the by-election and that any investigation into his finances should run its course. A Labour Party spokesperson stated: '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 added: '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 Call for Block or Boycott
The Liberal Democrats urged the Government to block Farage's resignation until the investigation is complete, saying his constituents need 'all the facts' before deciding. Lib Dem 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, announced 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.'
Prime Minister Calls Announcement '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 by the parliamentary standards commissioner over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne, which he said was needed for security due to multiple threats. He also said a Sunday Times investigation into George Cottrell had 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 more than £300 received in the previous 12 months, except where the gift could not be reasonably thought to relate to political activities.
Farage Vows 'People Versus the Establishment' Campaign
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 and returns to Parliament. If found to have breached rules and suspended for more than 10 sitting days, a recall petition could be triggered, potentially leading to another Clacton by-election. Farage lashed out at the media, saying he had 'never been angrier in my life' over treatment of his family, including a photo of his daughter's house published by The Times. Sky News said it had made 'reasonable efforts' to contact Farage with 'legitimate questions to answer'. Farage declared: 'I've decided that the people of Clacton shall 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.' He said Reform had offered to cover the cost, which could exceed £200,000.
