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By Newzyy Staff — 1d ago
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, faced renewed scrutiny over his financial affairs on Friday, despite securing victory in the Clacton byelection. Parliament's standards watchdog promptly reactivated its investigation into his dealings, amid broader parliamentary criticism of the byelection's necessity.
Mr. Farage was re-elected in Clacton with an increased majority, receiving more votes than in the 2024 general election. He declared his win a defiance, stating he had "stuck two fingers up at the entire political establishment."
However, the parliamentary standards commissioner immediately reopened an inquiry into whether he properly declared gifts received prior to the last general election. These include a £5 million personal gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, as first revealed by The Guardian, and further financial support from his friend, convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
Rival parties contended the re-opened inquiry underscored the failure of Mr. Farage's efforts to avoid examination. Labour party chair Bridget Phillipson stated he now had "no hiding place" as he tried to "dodge and deflect" criticism, adding that "the scandal just keeps piling up."
At an event celebrating his byelection success, Mr. Farage downplayed the allegations. He told GB News that his "one sin" was perhaps not filling in a piece of paper, asserting he had broken no law, no tax law, and taken no public money. While expressing confidence, he also appeared to acknowledge the watchdog could find against him regarding transparency.
Should a separate standards committee of MPs recommend a suspension exceeding ten days, it could trigger a second byelection. This would require the approval of over 10% of the Clacton electorate, approximately 7,800 voters—a figure fewer than the votes garnered by satirical candidate Count Binface.
Mr. Farage also drew criticism for his absence from the Clacton count in Essex. He claimed police had informed him of an organised disruption attempt; however, police stated they had given no advice to any candidate not to attend. An anonymous, masked art collective flashmob was demonstrating 15 minutes from the venue. Mr. Farage later explained his absence at a separate event, stating he was "damned" if he would stand on a stage to be "demeaned and humiliated by nobodies," without clarifying if he meant the array of over 30 independent candidates or potential protestors. Reform UK commentator Tim Montgomerie was among those who criticised his non-appearance.