Amid allegations of improperly accepting funds, UK's Reform Party leader Farage announced on the 7th that he is resigning from his seat in the House of Commons to trigger a by-election. However, he also stated that he will contest the by-election, allowing voters to judge his actions.
During his speech, Farage pointed out that he fully adhered to parliamentary guidelines for MPs' conduct and that the funds he accepted were unconditional personal gifts, so he did not violate any laws.
He added that apart from enduring media attacks, some outlets had recently published photos of his daughter's residence, which posed a threat to her safety, calling this "the last straw."
He said he would resign his MP position to trigger a by-election and would participate in what he called a "people versus the establishment" contest.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer stated that Farage's actions were a desperate bid for attention.
Labour and Conservatives Will Not Take Part
UK media quoted a spokesperson for the ruling Labour Party who said that Farage, mired in scandal, was attempting to change the subject, and that the Labour National Executive Committee had decided not to field a candidate in what they called a farce.
Conservative Party leader Badenoch also stated that her party would not nominate a candidate for what she termed a false by-election.
Currently, Farage is under investigation by the UK Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. According to media reports, prior to the 2024 UK general election, he received a gift of £5 million (about 27.23 million ringgit), which he allegedly failed to declare as required by parliament. Farage is also reported to have failed to declare benefits like security services and accommodation provided by a close friend.
The UK Reform Party is a far-right political party that has risen strongly in recent years. In this May's UK local elections, Reform Party won over 1,400 seats in England, achieving an absolute majority in more than 10 local councils, including several traditional Labour or Conservative strongholds.