Nigel Farage has told friends he is worried about facing by-election over £5 million gift
If the Reform leader is found to have broken parliamentary rules, a by-election could be triggered
Nigel Farage is reportedly concerned about facing a by-election if he is found to have broken parliamentary rules over the £5 million gift he received from a crypto billionaire.
According to sources who spoke to the i Paper, Farage has told friends he is worried about the prospect of a by-election.
He is also reported to have been “surprised” that the £5 million gift has cut through with the electorate, and that fears being painted in the same light as Boris Johnson, who faced numerous sleaze allegations.
The Reform leader is currently awaiting the outcome of the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner’s investigation into whether he should have declared the gift from British-Thai investor Christopher Harborne.
Sanctions for a breach of the rules range from being required to make an apology in the House of Commons to being suspended.
Any suspension of 10 sitting days or more can result in a recall petition that could trigger a by-election, if at least 10% of constituents sign the petition.
Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe has already said that if a by-election in Clacton is triggered, his party would throw everything they have at trying to derail Farage’s political career and unseat him.
There has also been speculation that Farage is losing momentum and may resign as leader of Reform before the next general election.
Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward
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