Nigel Farage is officially no longer the MP for Clacton after the Chancellor granted his request to quit Parliament – triggering a by-election in which he will stand again, but with all major parties refusing to field a candidate, leaving only the comedy figure Count Binface as his opponent.
The Reform UK leader resigned on Tuesday, facing increasing scrutiny over his finances and a parliamentary investigation into a £5m gift from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne, which Farage said was for security. A second investigation was launched this week into claims that convicted fraudster George Cottrell provided free accommodation and staff support. Farage has denied any wrongdoing.
“Nigel Farage resigns as Clacton MP, triggering a by‑election with only Count Binface as rival after all major parties boycott.”
Reform has proposed holding the by-election on 6 August. But Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Restore Britain have all ruled out contesting the seat, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper accusing Farage of a “political stunt” and a “tantrum”. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded it a “gimmick”, while Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: “We shouldn’t be playing Mr Farage’s game to escape justice.”
Farage insisted it was not a stunt: “They call it a stunt. It’s not a stunt, because real voters will have a vote for an MP.” Reform home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said rivals were “running scared”.
Into the breach stepped Count Binface, the perennial novelty candidate, who launched his bid with a manifesto promising to price‑cap a 99 Flake ice cream at 99p, bring back Ceefax, nationalise singer Adele, and build “one affordable house”. He told the Sun: “If Nigel wants to mess around with democracy, then let democracy have its lovely way with Nigel.” Bookies have cut his odds from 50‑1 to 5‑1.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said of Farage: “It is a farce and a desperate distraction, and the people of Clacton deserve better. But if he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won’t stop him.”
The stunt has also unsettled Reform donors. Mohamed Amersi, a British businessman who donated £25,000 to the party last year, told the Telegraph that Farage should “come clean” and “submit himself to a proper accounting audit”. Amersi said he would not support Reform financially again “until the cloud hanging over this issue is resolved”, adding that other donors “feel the same”.
The investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner will be suspended during the by‑election, but could resume if Farage is re‑elected. The Reform leader has accused the media of judging him “to be a dishonest person” and said it was “only fair” to let voters decide.