The Reform UK leader’s decision to call a by-election was no spur-of-the-moment notion but a considered plan, with an acceptance of even the worst-case scenario, as political editor David Maddox explains

Reform leader Nigel Farage's resignation has been made official as his 'desperate' Clacton by-election stunt continues with only Count Binface announcing he will stand against him

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNigel Farage has formally resigned as an MP,…