UK's Reeves clears way for Farage to quit as MP, trigger by-election
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she would agree to Nigel Farage's request to quit as an MP so he can "spend the summer arguing with a bin".
Reform UK leader Farage announced he plans to trigger a by-election in his Clacton seat, in what he dubbed a "people versus the establishment" fight, as he faces close scrutiny over gifts and support he has received.
But the main Westminster parties are boycotting the contest, with Farage's highest-profile opponent likely to be comedy candidate Count Binface.
Technically, MPs cannot resign and must instead be appointed to either the steward and bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds or the Manor of Northstead, symbolic roles which bar them from the Commons.
Reeves said: "I will accept Nigel Farage's request to be appointed Steward & Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.
"It is a farce and a desperate distraction, and the people of Clacton deserve better.
"But if he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won't stop him."
The Liberal Democrats had called on her to block the process, saying Farage should not be allowed to quit until a parliamentary investigation into undeclared donations had concluded.
By David Hughes and David Lynch, Press Association
Press Association: News
source: PA
Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.