Nigel Farage's behaviour increasingly resembles that of Schrödinger's MP: simultaneously present and absent, committed and uncommitted, depending entirely on the demands of his personal political theatre. His latest trick – resigning his seat only to stand again in a byelection of his own making – is a striking example of this paradox. It allows him to claim the mantle of democratic renewal while sidestepping the basic expectation that an MP should simply get on with the job they were elected to do, according to a letter from Bee Hall of Corwen, Denbighshire.
Constituents Deserve Stability, Not Drama
Constituents deserve stability, not a revolving door of self-generated electoral drama. Parliament is not supposed to be a pantomime; nor should it be treated as a backdrop for perpetual campaigning. When an MP prioritises spectacle over service, the public is left with representation that exists in name only. An MP should be present, accountable and focused on the people who elected them, not on creating opportunities for publicity. If Mr Farage wishes to run a permanent campaign, he should be candid about it. He should not treat parliamentary duty as optional, Hall wrote.
Defining Establishment vs Anti-Establishment
William Wallace, Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords, offered a definition of the difference between the establishment and the anti-establishment. The establishment includes those who believe that rules matter; the anti-establishment believe that rules should be got round whenever possible. The establishment recognises that government involves hard choices and requires careful debate; the anti-establishment denies that government is complicated and believes that gut instincts are better than informed debate. The establishment includes business leaders, mainstream media, civil service, academia, and thinktanks; the anti-establishment consists of wealthy men who claim a unique understanding of ordinary people but do not share any of their wealth with them.
Who Represents the People?
Griff Everett of Milford, Derbyshire, questioned who will represent the people in the byelection, given that Farage is a public-school-educated millionaire and former stockbroker reputed to own five houses, while claiming to represent the people against the establishment.
Media and Candidate Boycotts Suggested
John Kilcoyne of Loughborough suggested that the Guardian and other media outlets should take no part in what he called the pantomime election, arguing that the current situation has been reached due to an excess of media attention over many years.
Dr Clive Sellick of Barton Turf, Norfolk, noted a potential gain for Clacton residents if a serious independent candidate stood, as happened when journalist Martin Bell successfully defeated Neil Hamilton in Tatton. With all major parties declining to stand a candidate in Clacton, a real opportunity exists to defeat Nigel Farage.
Novelty Candidates Could Prevail
Graham Spry of Teddington, Gloucestershire, suggested that Count Binface, the only other candidate in Clacton, should adopt the slogan “Make Your Vote Count” to possibly beat Farage. Derek Long of Rainhill, Merseyside, reminded readers that Hartlepool United's mascot H'Angus, dressed as a monkey, won the town's 2002 mayoral election against all odds, and Stuart Drummond, forgoing his costume, became a popular and effective mayor re-elected for two more terms. Clacton, another deprived coastal town, could do much worse, he argued.
Susan Treagus of Manchester quipped: “If only Nigel Farage would put a bin on his head too.”
