A Survation poll commissioned by The Mirror reveals that 52% of voters believe Nigel Farage decided to fight a by-election in Clacton to divert attention from a standards probe into a £5 million 'gift' from a crypto tycoon. Only a quarter of respondents think he is not trying to avoid scrutiny. Even among current Reform voters, a third suspect he is attempting to swerve questions about his finances.
Farage faces parody candidate Count Binface
The Reform leader faces a humiliating contest after all main parties refused to participate, clearing the way for parody candidate Count Binface to be his main rival. Veronica Hawking, Campaigns Director at 38 Degrees, said: 'The British public don’t suffer fools gladly. They see this by-election for what it is: an attempt by Nigel Farage to avoid scrutiny and accountability that all our politicians should be held to.'
Standards probe and potential suspension
Farage was being investigated by Parliament's standards committee after it emerged he accepted a large sum from Thailand-based Christopher Harborne shortly before the 2024 general election. He did not declare the money, which he insists was an unconditional personal gift. Parliamentary rules require disclosure of gifts and donations in the 12 months before becoming an MP. If found to have broken rules, Farage could face suspension and a possible by-election. The investigation is expected to resume if he returns to Parliament after the August 13 contest.
Second probe and police investigation
Farage could face a second standards probe over allegations that convicted fraudster George Cottrell provided benefits including security, drivers, staff, and accommodation. The Lib Dems called on commissioner Daniel Greenberg to investigate. Cottrell's lawyers dispute reports of financial assistance. Additionally, two £250,000 donations by Cottrell's mother Fiona are being investigated by the Met Police to determine the original source of the funds. Two people have been interviewed under caution but no arrests have been made since the Electoral Commission referred the case to police last Thursday.
Public opinion on Farage's motives
Damian Lyons Lowe, founder of Survation, said: 'The public may be split on whether Farage should re-stand, but they are not split on why he is doing it. Twice as many voters see this as an escape from scrutiny than a genuine appeal to Clacton, and even among Leave voters he fails to win the benefit of the doubt.' The Survation polling of 2,058 adults found 50% of people who intend to vote for Reform thought Farage was not trying to dodge scrutiny, but 31% of his own party's voters believe he was.
Count Binface leads in separate poll
Polling by Ipsos last week found 33% of Brits want Count Binface to win, compared with 21% for Farage. Nearly a third said neither deserve to win, and 13% are undecided. Labour branded the by-election a circus, and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Farage of having a 'hissy fit'. Farage announced he was stepping down as an MP to contest the by-election, claiming to be a victim of an establishment stitch-up.
Farage's finances under scrutiny
Farage's finances have come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks. Desmog calculated he has earned £2.3 million on top of his £98,599 salary since entering Parliament. Reform UK has been contacted for comment.
