Nigel Farage's political career could be overshadowed even if he wins Thursday's Clacton by-election, as his popularity slides and a donor scandal continues to haunt him. The Reform UK leader forced the contest hoping to end scrutiny into his finances, but instead faces a humiliating battle against Count Binface, with Labour now ahead in the polls under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Two Possible Outcomes
Farage either wins and the investigation into his £5million gift from a crypto-billionaire continues, or he loses to a bin. The by-election, which could cost taxpayers £250,000, was triggered after he quit to avoid a Parliamentary Standards Commissioner probe over the undeclared donation.
With the main parties boycotting the contest, Farage faces a field of comedy candidates, but his task has been made harder by Burnham's series of interventions to help struggling Brits, which have seen Labour pull ahead of Reform in the polls.
Burnham's Bold Moves
During the summer, Burnham has capped bus fares, slashed energy bills, cut hospitality rates for pubs, and unveiled a devolution shake-up allowing local leaders to keep more tax revenue. He has also promised an end to rough sleeping, vowed to transform social care, and pledged to give locals a greater say over new shops to revitalise high streets.
Meanwhile, Farage has proposed returning migrant boats using the Navy, which France said would violate its sovereignty, and sending foreign prisoners to El Salvador, a plan dismissed by Labour and former Tory minister Ben Wallace, who accused Reform of lying.
Sleaze Probe Continues
Despite being favourite to win, Farage's victory would not end the probe into the £5m he received from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne. Farage did not declare the sum, insisting he did not need to, despite rules requiring disclosure of donations before entering Parliament. He lashed out on LBC, claiming it was “none of your business” and boasting “I can spend it on Ferraris if I want.” If found to have breached rules, he could face suspension, sparking another by-election.
Polling guru Sir John Curtice said the by-election stunt “hasn't paid off” and has damaged Reform, reducing Farage's national visibility. He added that the Tories were also “breathing down Reform's neck.” Labour Party Chair Bridget Phillipson dismissed the by-election, saying: “The only thing we'll learn from bin day is that Nigel Farage can waste the people of Clacton's time.”
