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

BBC ^ | July 8 | BBC

[RandFan]

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".

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the by-election "shouldn't be happening" and accused Farage of throwing a "political tantrum" as a distraction.

"Nobody is going to get drawn into what is a political stunt by Nigel Farage because he wants to duck and dive around the rules that apply to everyone," she told BBC Breakfast.

Reform home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said rival parties are "running scared" of Farage.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The only reason they are choosing not to field a candidate is because they know in their hearts that they have virtually no chance of beating him."

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TOPICS: Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; United Kingdom
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[RandFan]

So they all want rid of Farage but won't stand against him in this special election?

Makes sense...

[protest1]

They are cowards and hypocrites.
The so called Conservative party would rather see a Labour government that Reform win. They have already stated they see no need for a General Election instead they are happy to see Andy Burnham installed as Prime Minister.

[Jonty30]

They dont want to give credence by having him win
Under British law, criminal investigations dont stop because you resigned your seat. They will give him the win and then kick him out if the investigation proves corruption.

I dont know if he can run again if he gets removed from Parliament.