Ashfield MP Lee Anderson says 'the people will decide' after Reform leader Nigel Farage resigns as MP

Mr Farage has resigned as MP for Clacton to trigger a by-election which he has said he will stand in.

Mr Anderson said: "Nigel has ultimately handed the decision of his fate in British politics to the public.

"The people will now decide, as opposed to the establishment and the mainstream media.

"The people of Makerfield were given the right to decide the next Prime Minister with Andy Burnham – the people of Clacton will now decide the one after him."

Mr Anderson has also said Reform UK will foot the bill for the by-election after they criticised the costs to the taxpayer of the Makerfield by-election last month.

He added: "Reform UK will be offering to pay for the by-election costs to the taxpayer."

Mr Farage has been facing growing specualtion and scrutiny into his financial affairs after the Sunday Times reported he had not declared benefits, including staff and security, received from long-time ally George Cottrell

He has also faced questions about a £5m gift from Reform UK donor Christopher Harborne in early 2024 which he did not register, but said the money was for his personal security.

At all times, Mr Farage has strongly denied that he has done anything wrong or broken the law in any way and will now put his faith – and political future – in the hands of Clacton’s electorate.