Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch has penned a letter to voters in Clacton ahead of a by-election triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation, urging them to consider the motives of the Reform UK leader. The Conservative Party is not fielding a candidate in the upcoming election.
In her letter, Badenoch questioned the large sums of money reportedly donated to Farage, suggesting it was for his personal security. "Mr Farage wants the people of Clacton to settle his problems for him," Badenoch wrote. "He wants to point to you and say, 'even after the £5m scandal, Clacton still chose me'." She added that voters are entitled to ask why someone would donate such a substantial amount to Farage. "When the proper process has run its course and there is a genuine contest, we will be there," she stated, promising a "serious candidate who understands that representing Clacton is a job — someone who turns up, listens, holds meetings and works for the people who live here."
Reform UK criticized the Conservative Party's decision not to stand a candidate, calling it a betrayal of Clacton's residents. A spokesperson for Reform UK stated, "If Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives truly had any respect for democracy they would have stood a candidate in this by-election. The truth is that the Tories have turned their backs on the people of Clacton by refusing to put up a candidate. It's the latest in a long list of betrayals." The party urged voters to send a message to the establishment by supporting Nigel Farage.
Farage is running against a field of candidates including Count Binface, actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox, and three candidates from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party. The constituency of Clacton encompasses the coastal towns of Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, and Walton-on-the-Naze, as well as inland villages.
The by-election was called after Farage resigned his seat, paving the way for him to potentially stand for Parliament again. Badenoch, the MP for North West Essex, is campaigning remotely, while Farage is actively involved in the local election campaign. The contest is seen by some as a test of public sentiment towards the Conservative government and the Reform UK party.