A Merseyside Reform UK councillor has said other political parties are 'cowards' for not standing candidates in the Clacton by-election, triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation as an MP earlier this month. Councillor Andrew Hodson, who represents the Heswall ward for Reform UK, also accused the 'establishment' of ganging up on the party leader.
Farage's Resignation and By-Election
Nigel Farage resigned as the MP for Clacton after facing questions over a £5m gift he received from a Thailand-based billionaire cryptocurrency investor. Despite stepping down, Farage confirmed he would stand in the resulting by-election, framing it as a 'people versus the establishment by-election'. He stated: 'The people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions.'
Councillor's Views on the Establishment
Cllr Andrew Hodson told the ECHO: 'I understand why Nigel has done what he has. He wanted to test how people feel about him.' He added: 'I do feel the establishment is ganging up because they are petrified about Nigel getting into Number 10 [Downing Street].' When asked what he meant by 'the establishment', Cllr Hodson said: 'The other parties. They know the gravy train is about to end.'
Security Concerns and the £5m Gift
The issue of security has been central to discussions around the £5m gift. Farage has said he needs the money to fund security, claiming to be 'the most physically and verbally attacked public figure or politician of modern times.' He added: 'For over twenty years now I've been subjected to constant demonisation by the press, for daring to be outside the consensual view on many issues, I've been attacked again and again.' Cllr Hodson noted that the security issue 'has been brought to people's attention after the terrible murder of Ann Widdecombe.' The Reform spokesperson and former Conservative MP was killed in a 'targeted attack,' according to Counter Terror Police.
Other Parties' Response
Labour, the Conservatives, the Greens, the Liberal Democrats, and Restore Britain have all announced they will not be standing candidates in the upcoming Clacton by-election. The Green Party said they will play no part in a 'political circus.' Cllr Hodson accused these parties of being 'cowards' for not standing, saying 'they knew Nigel would win.'
