Farage Rejects Publicity Stunt Claims as Reform Sets August By-Election Date

Nigel Farage denies his resignation as Clacton MP is a publicity stunt amid calls for a by-election on 6 August, despite opposition parties boycotting the contest.

Farage Denies Resignation Is a Publicity Stunt

In his first interview since resigning as MP, Nigel Farage stated that calling a by-election was not a publicity stunt.

Nigel Farage told the BBC that his resignation as Clacton MP and his decision to stand again in the by-election is not a publicity stunt, despite opponents announcing they will boycott the contest.

The Reform UK leader resigned on Tuesday amid increasing scrutiny over his finances and a parliamentary investigation.

In his first interview since stepping down, Farage said:

"The media are judging me to be a dishonest person, so it is only fair to say to the voters, 'you judge'."

Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party have all declined to participate in the contest for the Essex seat.

Reform UK has proposed holding the by-election on 6 August.

Farage has faced intensifying pressure regarding his financial support, prompting opposition parties to call for Parliament's standards watchdog to investigate, alongside renewed media coverage of his financial affairs.

The Reform leader, who denies any wrongdoing, accused the parties of being "scared" to face him and said their lack of cooperation did not make the contest "fake."

He said:

"They call it a stunt. It's not a stunt, because real voters will have a vote for an MP."

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the move as a "gimmick," while a Labour spokesperson said the party would not "indulge" Farage.

Why Has Farage Resigned and What Happens Next?

A Reform UK spokesman said:

"Reform UK will move the writ tomorrow morning, and we are proposing a by-election on 6 August."

Reform must request a writ to be issued to trigger the by-election process, which requires approval by MPs. The by-election would take place between 21 and 27 working days after the writ is moved.

It remains unclear whether the council, responsible for formal arrangements, would be able to hold the contest on that date.

An investigation by the Parliamentary watchdog into a £5 million gift Farage received from a billionaire Reform donor before becoming an MP will be suspended during the by-election but could resume if he is re-elected.

Parliamentary rules require newly elected MPs to declare gifts or benefits received in the 12 months prior to their election that relate to their "parliamentary or political activities," while those considered "purely personal" are exempt.

Farage was in Frinton-on-Sea, within the Clacton constituency, a day after announcing his resignation.

Nigel Farage wears a suit and sunglasses. He's standing with his arms stretched to his side, in front of several inflatable toys — Image caption, Farage was in Frinton-on-Sea, within the Clacton constituency, a day after announcing his resignation

When asked why he did not declare benefits provided by convicted criminal George Cottrell, Farage responded:

"This is utterly spurious. Utterly spurious. I wasn't in politics. I was a broadcaster and an influencer and he helped me go out into the English Channel when the boats started to come, film that and make it into a public issue."

He described Cottrell as a volunteer and supporter of Reform.

'Public Opinion'

Farage said he had been portrayed as a "thoroughly dishonourable and dishonest person," adding:

"I'd much rather be judged in the court of public opinion."

When asked if he aspired to become Britain's next prime minister, Farage said yes, but emphasized that his family's privacy must be respected.

He referred to what he described as his daughter being "hounded" at one of his properties by , which the broadcaster insists behaved appropriately.

Farage expressed his desire to continue Reform's "political revolution."

Nigel Farage is wearing a bright blue coloured suit jacket, white shirt and patterned tie. He is stood in front of a Union flag. His hands are held up in front of him. — Image caption, Farage said he wanted to continue Reform's "political revolution"

In the interview, Farage said he was uncertain if he was still an MP, but shortly after the BBC interview, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed she had accepted his resignation.

She wrote on X:

"If he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won't stop him,"

referring to by-election rival Count Binface.

Shortly thereafter, the formal notice was published, externally confirming that Farage was no longer an MP.

Actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox, from nearby Peldon, announced on Tuesday evening that he would stand against Farage, Count Binface, and Adham Alkhatip, leader of the Forward Party.

Asked what he had accomplished for Clacton since becoming its MP, Farage said:

"I've done my absolute best to put it on the map in terms of tourism and visits. I know the road getting here is a pain but, actually, when you get here you've got great beaches."

He pledged to prioritize potholes and oppose housing developments opposed by locals if re-elected.

Farage continued:

"You give me a big vote and we'll continue our political revolution. If you don't do it then I think the establishment will just go on and go on working together in an attempt to crush a genuine chance at political change."