Major Parties Opt Out of Clacton By-Election
Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and Restore Britain have all announced they will not contest the Clacton by-election following Nigel Farage's resignation.
Farage, leader of Reform UK, declared his resignation but stated he would stand again in the Essex constituency, framing the contest as a "people versus the establishment" by-election.
Amid growing scrutiny regarding his finances and an ongoing parliamentary investigation, Farage asserted that the "people of Clacton should be the judge of my actions."
Responses from Political Parties
Labour described the election as a "circus," accusing Farage of attempting to divert attention from the investigation.
"It's pathetic, and the Labour Party is not going to indulge it," a Labour spokesperson said. "Farage should let the parliamentary investigation into his finances run its course and face the consequences."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated her party would not participate in what she called "the fake election, which Nigel Farage is causing to distract people from what is happening."
The Liberal Democrats urged the government to delay Farage's resignation until the standards investigation was complete, arguing that constituents needed "all the facts before they cast their votes."
Restore Britain, founded by MP Rupert Lowe after his suspension from Reform, said it would not stand in this by-election but would consider contesting a second by-election if triggered by the standards inquiry.
The Green Party of England and Wales initially deferred the decision to its local branch. Subsequently, Green MP Hannah Spencer informed night that local members had decided against fielding a candidate.
Comedian Jon Harvey, known for running in by-elections under the pseudonym Count Binface, confirmed his intention to run.
Farage's Statement and Election Intentions
In a 20-minute video statement from Reform UK's London headquarters, Farage maintained he had "done nothing wrong" concerning his finances and criticized media coverage, particularly regarding his family's treatment.
He said the "establishment" was employing "foul means" to target his party.
Farage described the by-election as an opportunity to "stick two fingers up to the entire establishment to frankly tell them where to go."
Reform UK sources indicated a preference for a swift election, which under parliamentary rules could be scheduled as early as August.
When asked if his resignation was a stunt, Farage responded, "Oh, it's a big gamble."
He also stated that his party had offered to cover the by-election costs, which are typically funded by central government. A 2016 government estimate placed by-election costs at £228,964, a figure likely higher now.
Farage's Electoral History and Investigation
Farage won the Clacton seat in the 2024 general election with a majority exceeding 8,000 votes, defeating the Conservatives who placed second, followed by Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party.
Since May, Farage has been under investigation by Parliament's standards commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, for failing to declare a £5 million gift from billionaire Reform donor Christopher Harborne received before becoming an MP.
In his speech, Farage likened the gift to "the equivalent of a lottery win."
He claimed to be "the most physically and verbally attacked public figure or politician of modern times" and said the "unconditional" gift would assist with personal security expenses.
Over the weekend, the Sunday Times reported that George Cottrell, a long-time Farage ally, provided support before the 2024 general election, including funding staff responsible for Farage's security and social media content.
Parliamentary rules require newly elected MPs to declare gifts or benefits related to parliamentary or political activities received within 12 months before election, with an exemption for gifts deemed "purely personal." Farage contends the support falls under this exemption.
The standards commissioner's investigation has been paused due to Farage's resignation but may resume if he wins the by-election and returns to Parliament.
A potential outcome of the investigation is a suspension, which would trigger a recall petition. If 10% of registered voters sign the petition, the MP can be removed, prompting another by-election.
Financial Links and Suspicious Activity Reports
It has emerged that George Cottrell and his mother donated money to a company and think tank owned by Reform's deputy leader, Richard Tice.
As first reported by The Telegraph, Tice's company, Tisun Investment, received an £80,000 loan from Cottrell in late 2024, while his think tank, Britain Means Business, received a £1 million donation from Fiona Cottrell in June 2024.
These transactions were flagged to the National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of its Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) programme, information Tice said he only became aware of after being contacted by .
Reform UK believes the information likely originated from the NCA.
Tice has written to the NCA's chief requesting an investigation into whether the agency leaked his private financial information to the media.
A spokesperson for the NCA stated:
"The NCA does not confirm or deny the receipt of suspicious activity reports (SARs), nor comment on how any SAR is used. SARs are confidential and breaching that confidentiality risks committing a tipping off offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act."
The SAR programme alerts law enforcement to potential money laundering cases and recorded 866,616 reports in 2024/25.
for our Politics Essential newsletter to keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond.
- Chris Mason: Farage attempts to seize back the agenda after finance row
- Why has Farage resigned and what happens next?
- 'Posh George': Who is aristocrat and convicted criminal at heart of Farage controversy?
