Why has Farage resigned and what happens next?

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said he is quitting as MP for Clacton in order to stand in the subsequent by-election, which he argued would vindicate him following questions over his financial arrangements. An investigation £5m gift received -election but could be resumed if he is voted back into Parliament. In a 20-minute video statement, Farage said he was standing down in order to trigger a "people versus the establishment by-election" in his Essex constituency. He said he wanted to be "judged" , who he accused of conducting a "pile-on". He also attacked the Labour government for trying to "stop Reform" . His decision to stand down comes as he faces intense scrutiny over money and support he has received, but not declared to Parliament. Since May, the Reform UK leader has been under investigation from Parliament's standards commissioner after not declaring a £5m gift he received from a billionaire Reform UK donor before his election. Now opposition parties are calling for a further parliamentary probe, after reports he did not disclose support provided by a different political ally. Farage argues that he was not obliged to declare any of the benefits under Commons rules, and has done nothing wrong. A by-election will take place between 21 and 27 working days after the parliamentary formality of issuing the writ takes place. Senior Reform sources are making it clear that they want to initiate that process as soon as possible, meaning a by-election is likely to take place in August. The Conservatives, Labour, Restore Britain and the Lib Dems have ruled out standing candidates against Farage, in an effective boycott . Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Farage of a "desperate stunt". Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch likened the resignation to a "hissy fit" and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged all parties to "stand aside" rather than participate in "Farage's vanity project". Green Party leader Zack Polanski also labelled the move "a stunt". A party spokesperson has said it will be up to local members whether to stand a candidate. Rupert Lowe - leader of Restore - said the "people of Clacton do not need a media circus". However, he said his party would join a second by-election - something that could potentially take place after the standards investigation concludes its inquiry. The Reform UK leader hit the headlines earlier this year after it emerged he had received £5m from Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based British cryptocurrency investor, in April 2024, before he entered Parliament.