Clacton by-election scheduled for 13 August as Farage seeks re-election
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A by-election in the Essex constituency of Clacton is expected on 13 August after the writ was moved in Parliament, with former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage confirmed as a candidate amid an ongoing standards investigation.
Reform Party MP Lee Anderson moved the writ in the House of Commons on Thursday, setting a likely by-election date of 13 August for the Clacton seat, though formal confirmation is still pending. Former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has announced he will contest the election, describing it as a "people versus the establishment" contest amid a parliamentary probe into his financial disclosures.
All major parties – Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Restore Britain – have said they will not field candidates. The parliamentary standards commissioner is examining whether Farage should have declared a particular sum of money in his register of financial interests.
The Sunday Times reported that Farage received financial support from George Cottrell, a political ally previously convicted of wire fraud in the United States.
Reform Party leader Robert Jenrick rejected claims that Farage is avoiding the investigation, saying the by-election is inevitable and that labeling it a "fake" contest is inaccurate.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to delay Farage’s resignation until the investigation concludes, posting on X that "The people of Clacton deserve the facts first."
Chancellor Reeves responded on X, calling the by-election a "farce and a desperate distraction" and saying the constituents "deserve better," but added she would not block Farage’s candidacy.
Other candidates announced include actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox of the Reclaim Party, Forward Party leader Adham Alkhatip, and the novelty candidate Count Binface.
Farage’s party has offered to fund the election, a cost normally covered by public funds. A government spokesperson reiterated that electoral expenses must be paid from public funds to preserve the independence and impartiality of the process.