Farage resigns to force Clacton by-election as major parties boycott

Farage resigns to force Clacton by-election as major parties boycott
Nigel Farage triggered a by-election in his Clacton seat by resigning as an MP, framing the contest as a battle with the "establishment" as mainstream parties refuse to stand.
- Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton and called a by-election, stating he was giving voters a chance to back him against the "establishment".
- The by-election will be held on 13 August 2026; the writ was received by Tendring District Council on 10 July.
- Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party have all declined to field candidates, describing the contest as a stunt.
- Declared candidates include comedian Count Binface, actor Laurence Fox, and Piers Corbyn; the investigation into a £5m undeclared gift to Farage has been suspended during the by-election.
Coverage
15 outlets — read the original reporting
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