Labour has been urged by senior Conservative sources to stand aside in the event of a second by-election in Clacton, in order to improve the Conservatives' chances of defeating Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
The sources told The Telegraph they hoped Andy Burnham would not field a candidate, or would instead put forward a paper candidate with no formal campaign, so as to unite the anti-Farage vote.
Farage was re-elected in the Clacton by-election with 63 per cent of the vote and an increased majority compared with the 2024 general election. He said his constituents had "stuck up two fingers to the entire political establishment". Novelty candidate Count Binface came second with 27 per cent.
Hours after the result, the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner announced that an investigation would be reopened into a £5 million donation to Farage. The Reform UK leader is accused of breaching MPs' disclosure rules in relation to the donation from British-Thai billionaire businessman Christopher Harborne, given before the 2024 election. Farage has described the money as a personal gift intended as a reward for his Brexit campaigning.
If the commissioner finds against Farage, he could face another by-election within months. All major political parties have said they would contest such a poll, having stood aside from the by-election Farage triggered.
A senior Conservative source said: "If Burnham was sensible, he'd obviously stand aside in the next by-election. Labour don't stand a chance, and Binface's numbers show there's a sizeable anti-Farage vote in Clacton. Either way, Kemi's been clear she wants to throw everything at it. Reform's laughable overselling of Farage's poor performance on Thursday shows they're clearly worried this isn't over."
The Conservatives have begun drawing up a list of possible candidates for a second by-election and are likely to select a military veteran. One source said the party wanted "a proper public servant as a contrast to Farage".
Labour sources rejected the idea of standing aside. One MP said the key would be whether an alternative candidate emerged around whom votes could coalesce. Another said Labour needed a candidate able to highlight the donation issue.
If the Standards Commissioner finds against Farage, a committee of MPs would recommend a sanction to be voted on by the House of Commons. A suspension of more than 10 sitting days could lead to a recall petition. A by-election would follow if more than 10 per cent of Clacton constituents signed it.
Reviewed by Admin
on
August 14, 2026
Rating:
