Nigel Farage Resigns as MP, Triggering Clacton By-Election He Plans to Contest

Nigel Farage resigned as a Member of Parliament on July 7, 2026, to trigger a by-election in the Clacton constituency he has represented for two years. Farage said he would stand as a candidate in the by-election, which is expected in early fall. "I've decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions," he said in a televised address.

Two parliamentary investigations into Farage's financial declarations will be suspended because of the resignation. Farage stated he had done nothing wrong regarding the declarations under review. The Sunday Times reported that Farage faces investigation for failing to disclose financial gifts, including from a 32-year-old convicted criminal.

Reform UK, the party Farage leads, has topped public opinion polls for at least one year. Recent polling shows a majority of Britons believe Brexit was a mistake. The by-election outcome will determine whether Farage can continue as a national political figure.