Farage's rivals rule out standing in Clacton by-election

Image source, Reuters By Kate Whannel Political reporter Published 18 minutes ago Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Restore Britain have all ruled out contesting the Clacton by-election triggered by the resignation of Nigel Farage. The Reform UK leader said that, having announced his resignation, he would re-fight the Essex seat in what he billed as a "people versus the establishment" by-election. Facing increasing scrutiny over his finances and a parliamentary investigation, Farage said the "people of Clacton should be the judge of my actions". Labelling the election a "circus", Labour accused Farage of "desperately trying to change the subject". "It's pathetic, and the Labour Party is not going to indulge it," a spokesperson said. "Farage should let the parliamentary investigation into his finances run its course and face the consequences." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would not participate in "the fake election, which Nigel Farage is causing to distract people from what is happening". The Liberal Democrats urged the government to block Farage's resignation until the standards investigation had concluded, arguing that his constituents needed "all the facts before they cast their votes". Restore Britain - set up by the MP Rupert Lowe after he was suspended from Reform - said it would not stand in this election but would do so if a second by-election was ultimately triggered by the standards inquiry. The Green Party of England and Wales initially said it would be a decision for the local party. Later, Green MP Hannah Spencer told BBC Newsnight local members had decided not to field a candidate. Comedian Jon Harvey, who regularly runs in by-elections under the pseudonym Count Binface, has confirmed he will run. Chris Mason: Farage attempts to seize back the agenda after finance row Published 1 hour ago Why has Farage resigned and what happens next? Published 5 hours ago 'Posh George': Who is aristocrat and convicted criminal at heart of Farage controversy? Published 14 hours ago In a 20-minute video statement, recorded at his party headquarters in London, Farage insisted he had "done nothing wrong" in regards to his finances and railed against the media, complaining about the treatment of his family. He said the "establishment" were using "foul means" to target his party. The by-election would, he said, be "a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment to frankly tell them where to go". Reform sources have said they want the election to take place quickly and under parliamentary rules it could be scheduled as early as August. Asked as he left his party's offices if he was staging a stunt, Farage said: "Oh, it's a big gamble." Farage has said that his party has offered to cover the cost of the by-election, which is normally paid for from central government funds. A government estimate from 2016 put the cost of by-elections at £228,964 but that figure will have risen since then.