The Reform UK leader had called a byelection in his Clacton constituency amid a growing scandal over gifts

Five-million Farage has flounced out of parliament in order to pause the investigations into his alleged corruption, but other major parties are refusing to contest the resulting by-election, potentially leaving him facing Count Binface as his biggest rival. With the British public’s love of the underdog and refusing to do what’s expected - remember Boaty McBoatface? - I wouldn’t bet against it being Count Binface MP soon.

  • anothermember@feddit.ukEnglish
    11·
    9 days ago

    Good, that’s the only way to play this one.

    The other alternatives: if all parties had contested it would split the vote. Any united progressive candidate would have trouble winning in Clacton. An all-party backed opposition candidate would have been unlikely and would easily be painted as “the establishment” by Farage.

    As things are: an independent novelty candidate might actually have the best chance, small as it may be, of beating Farage if they can capture all the protest vote (the absolute majority of Clacton didn’t vote Farage in the last election). Or worst, most likely, case Farage wins a hollow victory unopposed by major parties, he hasn’t made his point, things stay the same only now he’s seen as wasting everyone’s time.