A by-election in the Essex constituency of Clacton has been formally triggered following Nigel Farage's resignation as Reform UK leader and MP.Reform MP Lee Anderson moved the writ in Parliament, setting a likely date of 13 August for the contest.

Farage, who has denied wrongdoing, claims the election is a 'people versus the establishment' showdown after facing scrutiny over his finances and a parliamentary investigation.

Major parties including Labour, Conservatives, Lib Dems, Greens, and Restore Britain have all declined to contest the seat, with some leaders criticising the lack of opposition as politically motivated.

The standards commissioner is investigating whether Farage should have declared a £5m donation from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne upon becoming an MP.Additional controversies include allegations of support from George Cottrell, a former US wire fraud convict.While Reform UK has offered to fund the election, the government has rejected this, insisting public funds must cover electoral costs.

The by-election's timing aligns with parliamentary conventions, though its political implications remain significant given Farage's high-profile status.