Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, announced his resignation as an MP to trigger a by-election in his Clacton-on-Sea constituency, stating it would allow voters to challenge the establishment. His political opponents have criticised this move as a "gimmick" and a "desperate stunt" designed to divert attention from ongoing questions regarding donations he has received. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservatives, declared that her party would not field a candidate in what she termed a "fake" by-election, suggesting Farage's resignation is an attempt to escape scrutiny over his finances. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the government to prevent the by-election from proceeding until a standards investigation into Farage's conduct is concluded, advocating for other parties to stand aside if it goes ahead. Labour figures, including a spokesperson for Andy Burnham and Sir Keir Starmer, echoed these sentiments, accusing Farage of being "up to his neck in sleaze" and using the by-election as a distraction from serious allegations. In fullNigel Farage latest: Reform leader’s resignation branded ‘desperate stunt’ as Tories refuse to stand in by-electionMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has resigned as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election he says will allow voters—not political opponents—to judge him. The move comes as he faces…

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The Reform leader had faced intense security over his financial arrangements

The Reform UK leader dramatically triggered the by-election in his Essex seat after quitting as an MP amid growing pressure on him to come clean about his finances.

Nigel Farage, leader of the populist right-wing Reform UK party, has resigned from parliament and will stand for his seat again in a special election, amid mounting controversy…

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Reform UK leader has come under heavy scrutiny over his finances

The Reform UK party leader has come under scrutiny about his finances

"I've decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions," Farage said. "It's a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment". #EuropeNews

From claims of undeclared donations and properties to lobbying the Bank of England on crypto policy, Mr Farage is facing scrutiny in four key areas

Reform party leader has faced intense scrutiny over his finances

The resignation will trigger a by-election in the coastal electorate of Clacton, which Farage says he will contest.

Reform UK leader reveals he faces second inquiry over financial gifts but says he will fight byelection in Clacton

Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage has quit as MP for Clacton, forcing a by-election that he has said he will fight.

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Nigel Farage triggers a by-election to test voter support

Nigel Farage has announced he is resigning from the House of Commons to fight a by-election in Clacton. In a 16-minute live statement from Milbank Tower, the Reform leader gave…

"A chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment..."

The Clacton MP said standards investigations by the parliamentary authorities are ‘now being used as a political tool’