Nigel Farage has resigned as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election he says will be a ‘people versus the establishment’ contest. The Reform UK leader announced his decision in London, claiming the political establishment is using ‘foul means’ against him after revelations about undeclared donations.
The move comes after the Guardian reported that Farage received a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne within 12 months of becoming an MP. Parliament is investigating whether the donation should have been declared. Further allegations have emerged that Farage also took undeclared funding from convicted criminal George Cottrell for staffing, security and housing.
Farage denies wrongdoing and says the people of Clacton will judge his actions. By resigning, he pauses the parliamentary probe into the undeclared money. Critics, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have called the move a ‘desperate stunt’ and accused Farage of being ‘up to his neck in sleaze’.
Farage won Clacton in 2024 with 46.2% of the vote, comfortably ahead of the Conservatives on 27.9% and Labour on 16.2%. National polls currently show Reform UK leading. Farage has offered to cover the costs of the by-election himself.
