Standards watchdog resumes Farage probe as rivals slam needless byelection

Reform UK leader says he stayed away from vote count in Clacton to avoid being ‘humiliated by nobodies’

Nigel Farage’s attempt to draw the sting from inquiries into his financial affairs appeared to have backfired on Friday as the standards watchdog reopened its investigation and MPs from all sides condemned the needless byelection.

The Reform UK leader declared victory in the Clacton vote as he was returned with an increased majority and gained more votes than in 2024, saying he had “stuck two fingers up at the entire political establishment”.