Reform activists urged to switch focus from Manchester to Farage’s Clacton contest

Reform UK activists are being urged to shift their focus from the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection to support Nigel Farage's contest in Clacton. A WhatsApp message directed at party members in north-west England explicitly calls for their assistance in Clacton, indicating a prioritization of Farage's campaign. This diversion comes as Reform UK had previously aimed for a significant victory in Greater Manchester, where polling showed them narrowly behind Labour. The decision to focus on Clacton appears to stem from Farage's announcement of a snap byelection in his constituency, amidst criticism from other parties who have labeled it a "fake byelection" or "vanity project." The Greater Manchester byelection is scheduled for July 30th, with the Clacton contest expected a week later.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has resigned as an MP and plans to contest a by-election in his Clacton constituency. This move comes amid allegations that he received and failed to declare millions of pounds in donations, including a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne and funds from convicted fraudster George Cottrell. Farage denies wrongdoing, stating the donations were personal gifts received before he was elected. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is investigating the undeclared donations, and the National Crime Agency has reportedly been alerted to the Harborne donation. Other major parties, including Labour, Conservatives, and Liberal Democrats, have indicated they will not field candidates in the by-election, allowing Farage to frame it as a "people vs the establishment" contest.

Nigel Farage, leader of the hard-right Reform UK party, has resigned as the Member of Parliament for Clacton, a constituency in southeast England. His surprise move could backfire as major parties have stated they will not contest the upcoming by-election for his seat. Currently, the only other declared candidate is perennial joke candidate Count Binface. Farage's resignation follows a parliamentary probe into his non-disclosure of a £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire, which raised concerns with the National Crime Agency about potential money laundering.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announced he will resign as a lawmaker and seek re-election to address financial allegations. Farage stated he has done nothing wrong and has not broken the law or misused public money. He is currently under investigation by parliament's standards watchdog regarding a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire. Opposition lawmakers are also calling for another probe into donations from George Cottrell, an entrepreneur previously convicted of fraud. Farage made his statement in a broadcast without taking questions.

The Labour party has asked the Electoral Commission to investigate claims that Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, may have broken electoral law by failing to disclose gifts. This comes as parliamentary authorities are already examining a £5 million donation made to Farage by crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. When questioned about whether the parliamentary commissioner for standards should investigate gifts from George Cottrell, a minister stated it was a matter for the commissioner. The article also notes Farage has hinted at press regulation, while a minister expressed concern about a Reform government using its power to control the press.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage may have breached parliamentary rules by failing to declare financial benefits received from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, in the year before his election. According to a Sunday Times report, Cottrell provided funds for Farage's security, drivers, staff, and accommodation. Cottrell, who was jailed in the US in 2017 for money laundering, also reportedly paid for social media staff and allowed Farage to use a London townhouse. A spokesperson for Farage denied any rule breaches, calling the story "baseless and contrived." A Liberal Democrat MP has called for an investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, citing the MPs' code of conduct which requires declaration of benefits over £300 related to political activities.

Parody candidate Count Binface is unexpectedly set to be Nigel Farage's sole challenger in the Clacton byelection following Farage's resignation as MP. Binface, a veteran election participant, expressed surprise at Farage's "self-detonation" and the resulting political situation. The byelection was triggered by Farage's departure from the seat he has held since 2024, with speculation suggesting it was to escape a financial gifts scandal, though this plan appears to have backfired. Binface, a comedian in disguise, is now being considered by some as a "people's candidate" and has seen increased interest in his candidacy and live shows. He is uncertain about his chances but has stated he would do his best to represent Clacton if elected.