Nigel Farage probe resumes after Clacton win

A UK parliamentary standards inquiry into a £5 million gift to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resumed Friday after he won back his Clacton seat in a snap by-election.

Farage took 63 percent of votes cast in the eastern English constituency, which he first won in 2024. His main rival, Count Binface, the alter ego of comedian Jon Harvey, received nearly 27 percent on a turnout of 44 percent.

Farage had triggered the by-election by resigning last month from the Westminster seat over the inquiry into his finances. The investigation was paused after his resignation and automatically reopened after his return to Parliament.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg is examining allegations that Farage and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice failed to declare financial gifts. They deny wrongdoing.

The inquiry focuses on a £5 million donation to Farage from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, who lives in Thailand. Farage could also face an investigation over support provided by George Cottrell, a long-time ally who has been convicted of fraud.

London police have also confirmed the start of an investigation last year into donations to Reform before the 2024 election.

Farage said the result was a “convincing, overwhelming win”. Essex Police said there were “no incidents or issues” in relation to the ballot after Farage said police had warned him of a planned campaign to disrupt the result.