Watchdog investigation into Nigel Farage's £5m gift reopens after by-election win

Parliament's standards watchdog has restarted its inquiry into Reform UK leader Nigel Farage over an alleged failure to declare a £5 million gift from billionaire donor Christopher Harborne. The probe was paused after Farage resigned his seat in July amid scrutiny of the donation, triggering a by-election in the Essex constituency of Clacton.

Farage was returned as MP with 22,239 votes, a margin of 12,784 over the runner-up, and a turnout of about 44%, lower than the 2024 general election but typical for recent by-elections. He did not attend the count, saying Essex Police had warned him of an "organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result," a claim the police denied.

In a statement, Farage described the result as a "convincing, overwhelming win" and framed the contest as a "people versus the establishment" battle. The by-election featured a record 34 candidates, though all major parties – Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Restore Britain – chose not to stand, labeling the vote a "gimmick" and a "circus."

If the standards investigation determines that Farage breached parliamentary rules, he could be suspended from the House of Commons, potentially prompting another by-election. Opposition parties have also called for separate inquiries into financial support he received from political ally George Cottrell ahead of the 2024 general election.

Other candidates, including comedian-turned-candidate Count Binface, lost their £500 deposits for failing to secure at least 5% of the vote. Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson dismissed the outcome as "no victory" for Farage, while the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives urged the standards probe to continue.