Nigel Farage Resigns as MP, Triggers Clacton By-Election He Plans to Contest
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announced his resignation as MP for Clacton, prompting a by-election in which he intends to run, amid parliamentary investigations into undisclosed financial gifts.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said he will resign his seat for Clacton-on-Sea, causing a by-election that he intends to contest. He told supporters that the voters of Clacton should decide whether he remains in office and that he will fight to continue the political agenda of his party.
The resignation follows a parliamentary standards investigation into a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne that Farage received before his election, and a separate probe into alleged support from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster. Farage has denied any wrongdoing, arguing the funds were for personal security and unrelated to his political activities.
Parliamentary rules require new MPs to declare any registrable benefits received in the 12 months before election. The standards commissioner is assessing whether the Harborne gift should have been disclosed. If Farage wins the by-election, the investigations would be reopened under existing parliamentary procedures.
Farage also accused Sky News of harassing his family during coverage of the financial inquiries, describing the reporting as “despicable” on social media. The broadcaster denied contacting his relatives.
The move is being watched as a test of Farage’s political standing ahead of the next general election, with analysts noting that the outcome could influence the broader contest for prime ministerial leadership.
