Reform UK has announced it will request that the Clacton byelection be held on 6 August, following Nigel Farage's resignation from the seat. The Reform UK leader, who represented the Essex constituency since the 2024 general election, said on Tuesday he was stepping down and would stand again in what he has framed as a “people versus the establishment” contest.
Boycott by Major Parties
Farage’s attempt to use the byelection to distance himself from a deepening scandal over financial gifts has backfired, as his main rivals declared they would boycott the contest. Currently, only novelty candidate Count Binface has decided to stand against him. On Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves approved Farage’s formal resignation by appointing him steward of the Manor of Northstead, the traditional procedure for MPs to vacate their seats.
In a social media post, Reeves stated: “If he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won’t stop him.”
Reform UK's Proposal
A Reform UK spokesperson confirmed: “Reform UK will move the writ tomorrow morning, and we are proposing a byelection on 6 August.” The byelection will proceed despite the boycott by other parties, with Farage seeking to position himself as an anti-establishment candidate amid ongoing scrutiny of his financial dealings.
