Nigel Farage resigns as MP amid Probe into Finances

Nigel Farage has resigned as an MP for Clacton and fight in the resulting byelection, while under a second investigation over undeclared gifts.

The Reform UK leader described the move as a chance to let voters decide his political future rather than the media or Westminster.

In a defiant statement, Farage said he wanted the people of Clacton to judge his actions. He also claimed the political establishment was attempting to stop Reform UK from forming a future government.

Farage said the decision was not linked to returning to business or moving to the United States. Instead, he said he refused to be judged by the media and would seek a fresh mandate from voters.

He said: “I thought about it hard and I’ve decided today I will resign as a member of parliament for Clacton-on-Sea, thereby forcing a byelection.

“I’ve decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions.

“This will be a people versus the establishment byelection.

“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 to stand in this byelection.

“I will fight to win. I will fight to continue the political revolution that Reform has started and I would say this to you, the voters of Clacton: If I win, you win.”

Farage also disclosed he is now the subject of a second parliamentary standards investigation.

He is already under investigation after failing to declare a £5 million gift from billionaire cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne before the 2024 General Election.

Nigel Farage said the latest inquiry concerns allegations that he received financial support from George Cottrell, a close friend who has previously been convicted of fraud.

His resignation is expected to pause both investigations while he is no longer an MP. However, they could resume if he is re-elected and Parliament decides it is proportionate to continue them.

If an investigation ultimately resulted in a suspension from the House of Commons, it could trigger another byelection.

Farage won Clacton at the 2024 General Election with a majority of 8,400 votes. The Conservatives finished second, while Labour came third.

The forthcoming contest could prove more challenging if opposition parties encourage tactical voting to unseat him. He could also face competition on the political right from Restore Britain, the party led by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe.

The byelection is expected to become a significant test of Reform UK’s electoral support and Farage’s leadership as the party continues to position itself against the UK’s political establishment.