Labour MPs plot to block Nigel Farage's by-election as Reform lashes out at 'establishment stitch-up'

Labour MPs have been mulling over whether they can block Nigel Farage's by-election in Clacton after the Reform UK leader dared the political establishment to take him on at the ballot box.

Mr Farage, who resigned as the MP for Clacton yesterday, set out his stall for why voters in his seaside seat should decide his political future.

He said: "I've decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions."

However, Mr Farage could be blocked from triggering a by-election after MPs last night held talks to amend the motion which formally sets the date for a snap contest.

"Farage should be forced to stay in his seat until the parliamentary standards commissioner's investigation is completed," one Labour MP told The Times.

A second added: "If Farage resigns, wins the by-election and then is suspended by the standards commissioner, we'd potentially have two contests, which is a huge waste of taxpayer money. Let him face the voters when they know the facts."

MPs could prevent a by-election taking place in Clacton when Reform UK Chief Whip Lee Anderson looks to "move the writ".

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is obliged to put the question to MPs, with a vote in agreement making the motion an Order for the Speaker.

The Speaker is only then able to issue a Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, who sends the writ to the returning officer.

Announcing his intention to trigger a by-election, Mr Farage said: “This will be a people versus the establishment by-election.

"It’s a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment, to frankly tell them where to go."

Reform UK figures have also railed against the main parties for failing to field candidates, accusing the so-called establishment of "bottling it", "chickening out" and being "cowards".

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