Reform UK Seeks 6 August Clacton By-Election After Nigel Farage Resignation

Nigel Farage has resigned as the Clacton MP and Reform UK is seeking a by-election in the Essex seat on 6 August, with the party saying it will move the writ on Thursday.

The BBC reports Farage told it his resignation and decision to stand again is not a publicity stunt, while Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have all declined to take part in the contest.

ABC News

Reform UK says it is proposing holding the by-election on 6 August, but the BBC notes a by-election would take place between 21 and 27 working days after a writ is issued and it is not clear whether Tendring District Council could hold the contest on that date.

The Guardian says the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, approved Farage’s formal resignation as an MP by appointing him steward of the Manor of Northstead, after which Reeves wrote: "If he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won't stop him."

The BBC reports that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper accused Farage of a "political stunt" and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch branded the move a "gimmick," as opposition parties said they would boycott the contest.

Farage told the BBC, "The media are judging me to be a dishonest person, so it is only fair to say to the voters, 'you judge'."

BBC

The Independent says the main Westminster parties are boycotting the contest and Count Binface is set to be Farage’s comedy rival, after Farage came under scrutiny about undeclared gifts and financial support before he was first elected.

The Guardian adds that at present only the novelty candidate Count Binface has decided to stand against Farage, after Reeves approved the resignation by appointing him steward of the Manor of Northstead.

The BBC says an investigation by the Parliamentary watchdog into a £5m gift he received from a billionaire Reform donor before he was an MP will be suspended during the by-election, but could be resumed if Farage is re-elected.

The Independent reports that the inquiry by Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg will be paused, but can resume if Farage wins the by-election and returns to the Commons.

The Independent also says that if Farage is found to have broken the rules and a suspension of more than 10 days is imposed, it could trigger a recall petition and the prospect of Farage losing his seat, forcing another by-election.

Farage told the BBC he was not sure if he was still an MP, and he accused the parties of being "scared" to face him, while the BBC reports he pledged to prioritise potholes and stopping housing developments opposed by locals if re-elected.