Nigel Farage has announced his resignation as the MP for Clacton, triggering a byelection in which he intends to stand as a candidate. The Reform UK leader is under scrutiny over his finances, with two investigations by the parliamentary standards watchdog over undeclared gifts.
Farage accuses media of 'pile-on'
During a 15-minute press conference, he accused the media of a 'pile-on' over his personal finances and harassment of his family. He said his decision was part of 'sticking two fingers up at the establishment' and would prove the public want him to stay on as an MP.
According to Lucy Hough, speaking to policy editor Kiran Stacey, the resignation sets the stage for a high-profile contest that Farage frames as 'people v establishment'.
Financial investigations underway
The parliamentary standards watchdog has opened two investigations into Farage over undeclared gifts. Details of the gifts have not been publicly disclosed, but the inquiries add to the pressure on the Reform UK leader.
Farage insists the investigations are part of a broader establishment effort to undermine him. He has pledged to fight the byelection on a platform of challenging the political elite.
