Rachel Reeves has mocked Nigel Farage’s decision to trigger a Clacton by-election, joking that if the Reform UK leader wants to “spend the summer arguing with a bin”, she will not stand in his way.
The Chancellor confirmed she would approve the formal process allowing Mr Farage to leave Parliament after he announced plans to resign his Clacton seat and seek a fresh mandate from voters.
Under parliamentary rules, MPs cannot technically resign. Instead, they must be appointed to the ceremonial office of Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead, which automatically disqualifies them from the House of Commons.
Ms Reeves dismissed the by-election as a political distraction.
“I will accept Nigel Farage’s request to be appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead,” she said.
“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.”
Her comments were a reference to comedy candidate Count Binface, who is expected to be one of the highest-profile challengers after Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats decided not to contest the seat.
Mr Farage said he was forcing the by-election so the people of Clacton could decide whether they still backed him as he faces scrutiny over gifts and support he has received.
The Reform UK leader is being investigated by Parliament’s Standards Commissioner over whether he should have declared a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency entrepreneur Christopher Harborne, which Mr Farage says funded security following repeated threats against him.
He also faces questions over support provided by long-time ally George Cottrell.
Mr Farage has denied any wrongdoing and insisted voters, not Westminster, should judge his actions.
Speaking to GB News, he said: “We’ll ask the people here what they think, and if they give me a big endorsement, that sends a big message to the establishment.”
He also claimed rival parties were refusing to stand because they knew they would lose.
With the main Westminster parties boycotting the contest, Count Binface has emerged as one of the most recognisable candidates.
The satirical campaigner admitted he was unlikely to win but said the unusual contest highlighted the state of British politics.
The Clacton by-election is now set to become one of the most closely watched political contests of the summer, with attention focused on whether Mr Farage can secure another decisive victory while under parliamentary investigation.
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