'I might win!' Ex-Clacton MP hints at standing against Nigel Farage in 'bemusing' by-election twist

Ex-Clacton MP Douglas Carswell has hinted about standing against Nigel Farage in the upcoming Clacton by-election.

Mr Carswell, who represented Clacton in the House of Commons as both a Tory and Ukip MP, admitted he was hopeful of his chances if he stood in the seat.

The prominent Brexiteer said: “Perhaps I should stand in the Clacton by election?

“Be amusing and think I might actually win. Again.”

Mr Carswell, who relocated to Mississippi after leaving Parliament, was considered a rival to Mr Farage despite defecting to Ukip in 2014.

The pair ended up campaigning for different pro-Brexit groups in 2016, with Mr Carswell supporting Vote Leave and Mr Farage becoming a figurehead for Leave.EU.

They found themselves again at loggerheads in 2017 when leaked emails appeared to suggest Mr Carswell mocked the suggestion Mr Farage should receive a knighthood.

Mr Carswell won his Clacton seat in a by-election held in 2014, later retaining the seat as Ukip’s sole MP at the 2015 General Election.

Despite Mr Farage previously accusing Mr Carswell of being a “fifth columnist” and a “Tory posh boy”, Mr Carswell last night appeared to defend Reform UK amid its ongoing financial scandal.

The 55-year-old, who also argued the onslaught was “orchestrated”, said: “It’s a deep state operation.”

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…

Andy Burnham on course for premiership as no contenders come forward

Andy Burnham is on course for becoming the next Prime Minister as nominations open up for Labour leadership today.

Former armed forces minister Al Carns flirted with the idea of contending Mr Burnham, but ruled himself out of the contest last night.

Mr Carns said: "I’d hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate.

"But months of internal Labour politics isn’t what the country needs right now. We’ve got to get on with the job.

"Andy Burnham’s earned this and he’s got my full backing."