Farage denies resignation is a publicity stunt

Nigel Farage has told the BBC his resignation as Clacton MP is not a publicity stunt, saying it is "only fair" that it is the electorate who judges him.

The Reform UK leader has vowed to fight to regain his seat in Essex, having triggered a by-election on Tuesday.

He has been under intensifying pressure over his financial support, after the Sunday Times reported he had not declared gifts.

"The media are judging me to be a dishonest person, so it is only fair to say to the voters, 'you judge'," said Farage, in his first interview since resigning.

Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have all declined to take part in the by-election.

Farage, who has denied any financial wrongdoing, accused them of being "scared" to face him and said their lack of co-operation did not make it a "fake" contest.

"They call it a stunt. It's not a stunt, because real voters will have a vote for an MP," he said.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has branded the move a "gimmick", while a Labour spokesperson said it would not "indulge" Farage.

An investigation by the Parliamentary watchdog into a £5m gift he received from a billionaire Reform donor before he was an MP will be suspended during the by-election, but could be resumed if Farage is re-elected.

Parliament rules say newly elected MPs have to declare gifts or benefits received in the 12 months before their election that relate to their "parliamentary or political activities", however those that are "purely personal" are exempt.

Asked why he did not declare benefits provided by convicted criminal George Cottrell, Farage said: "This is utterly spurious. Utterly spurious.

"I wasn't in politics. I was a broadcaster and an influencer and he helped me go out into the English Channel when the boats started to come, film that and make it into a public issue."

He described Cottrell as a volunteer and supporter of Reform.

The by-election will take place between 21 and 27 working days after the Parliamentary formality of issuing the writ happens.

Farage said he had been painted as a "thoroughly dishonourable and dishonest person", adding: "I'd much rather be judged in the court of public opinion."

Asked if he wanted to become Britain's next prime minister, Farage said yes, but that his family's privacy must be respected.

He was referring to what he saw as his daughter being "hounded" at one of his properties by Sky News.

The broadcaster has insisted it behaved appropriately.

Farage said he was not sure if he was still an MP, but soon after the BBC interview Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she had accepted his resignation.

"If he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won't stop him," she wrote on X, referring to by-election rival Count Binface.

Actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox, of nearby Peldon, announced on Tuesday evening he would be standing against Farage, Count Binface and Adham Alkhatip, who leads the Forward Party.

Asked about what he had done for Clacton since becoming its MP, Farage said: "I've done my absolute best to put it on the map in terms of tourism and visits.

"I know the road getting here is a pain but, actually, when you get here you've got great beaches."

He pledged to prioritise potholes and stopping housing developments opposed by locals if re-elected.

"You give me a big vote and we'll continue our political revolution," Farage continued.

"If you don't do it then I think the establishment will just go on and go on working together in an attempt to crush a genuine chance at political change."

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