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

Farage's rivals rule out standing in Clacton by-election Image source, ReutersPublished1 minute agoLabour, 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".Labelling the election a "circus", Labour accused Farage of "desperately trying to change the subject"."It's pathetic, and the Labour Party is not going to indulge it," a spokesperson said."Farage should let the parliamentary investigation into his finances run its course and face the consequences."Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would not participate in "the fake election, which Nigel Farage is causing to distract people from what is happening".The Liberal Democrats urged the government to block Farage's resignation until the standards investigation had concluded, arguing that his constituents needed "all the facts before they cast their votes". Restore Britain - set up by the MP Rupert Lowe after he was suspended from Reform - said it would not stand in this election but would do so if a second by-election was ultimately triggered by the standards inquiry.The Green Party of England and Wales initially said it would be a decision for the local party.Later, Green MP Hannah Spencer told BBC Newsnight local members had decided not to field a candidate. Comedian Jon Harvey, who regularly runs in by-elections under the pseudonym Count Binface, has confirmed he will run. Chris Mason: Farage attempts to seize back the agenda after finance rowPublished43 minutes agoWhy has...