Embattled Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigns as MP to force by-election
LONDON, Jul 7 : Nigel Farage, the leader of the far-right Reform UK party, on Tuesday announced his resignation as a member of Parliament to force a by-election challenging the British political establishment. The controversial politician has been at the...
04:20 AM Jul 08, 2026 IST
LONDON, Jul 7 : Nigel Farage, the leader of the far-right Reform UK party, on Tuesday announced his resignation as a member of Parliament to force a by-election challenging the British political establishment.
The controversial politician has been at the centre of a number of allegations of impropriety, including a "gift" of five million pounds from a cryptocurrency billionaire and undeclared donations from a convicted fraudster.
While he has denied any wrongdoing, the UK's parliamentary standards watchdog has launched investigations into whether he breached the code of conduct for MPs.
"I've decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions. This will be a people versus the establishment by-election," said Farage, confirming that he will re-contest the coastal constituency in eastern England.
"It's a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment, to frankly tell them where to go. And that is why I will be putting my name forward in this by-election. I will fight to win, I will fight to continue the political revolution that Reform has started," he said.
The 62-year-old, who won in Clacton-on-Sea in the July 2024 general election with a solid majority, announced his resignation in a televised address released by Reform UK – the anti-immigration party, which has grown in stature since Farage led the pro-Brexit campaign.
"Let me be absolutely clear. I've done nothing wrong. I have not broken the law in any way at all. I have not misused public money," said Farage.
He alleged that the parliamentary standards process was being used as a "political tool".
"For over 20 years now, I have been subject to constant demonisation by the press for daring to be outside the consensual view on many issues, I've been attacked again and again. And I am the most physically and verbally attacked public figure of modern times," he said.
The Reform UK leader claimed he had used his five million-pound gift for personal security purposes due to the lack of sufficient protection being provided by the state.
"Repeatedly over the years, I asked the Home Secretary for help. I was rejected again and again," he alleged.
His resignation follows a 'Sunday Times' investigation over the weekend, which published further details of staff and security benefits Farage received from George Cottrell, a close associate who has allegedly served a prison term in the US.
"I repeat, I have done nothing wrong," asserted Farage.
His move is seen as an attempt to reset the clock on his political fortunes by returning to the ballot box.
The Clacton-on-Sea by-election is likely to be framed as a referendum of sorts on the British electorate's views on the two main political parties – governing Labour and Opposition Conservatives – at a time when the former is preparing for a new leader to take charge at 10 Downing Street.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation earlier this month, paving the way for a Labour leadership election which is expected to be won unopposed by former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.( PTI)
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