Nigel Farage's Clacton seat under threat - 'preparations made for by-election'

Express ^ | July 6, 2026 | Eleanor Burleigh

[MinorityRepublican]

Nigel Farage's seat in Clacton could be under threat after he was referred to Parliament's standards watchdog amid a new funding row. The Reform UK leader claimed he is the victim of an "establishment hit job" after an outcry over financial support given to him by a convicted criminal.

George Cottrell, who was jailed in the US for wire fraud in 2017, allegedly provided funding for Mr Farage's operation, including staffing, security and the use of a London townhouse, according to The Sunday Times. If he is found to have broken the MPs' code of conduct, Mr Farage could be suspended from the House of Commons, potentially ousting him from his Essex seat.

Preparations have already begun for a by-election in Mr Farage's Clacton constituency in anticipation of him losing his seat, The Telegraph reports.

Under rules in place at the time of the Reform leader's election in 2024, new MPs were required to register any gifts worth more than £300 they received in the previous 12 months, except where the gift "could not reasonably be thought by others" to relate to their political activities.

In a statement, the Reform leader said: "I have done no wrongdoing, followed the rules and I am now considering legal action against The Sunday Times.

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TOPICS: United Kingdom
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[iamgalt]

The left using the law to crush adversaries is SOP. The relentless attacks on Trump are the best examples.

[Wuli]

The U.K. version of lawfare to get rid of a political opponent.

[MinorityRepublican]

And surprise, Nigel Farage will “lose” his seat in the Parliament just like President Trump “lost” his reelection in 2020.