Why has UK Reform's Nigel Farage resigned as MP? What happens next?

UK Reform leader Nigel Farage resigned from his seat in parliament on Tuesday while planning to run again in his constituency, Clacton, in eastern England. The move follows allegations that he received and failed to declare millions of dollars in donations, amid the prospect of parliamentary scrutiny over at least two funding scandals. If findings went against him, Farage could have faced suspension, potentially triggering a recall petition and a by-election; instead, stepping down early forces the vote on his terms. Farage said Clacton voters should judge his actions and framed it as a “people vs the establishment” contest. The main inquiry is by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards into a 5-million-pound ($6.7m) undeclared donation from Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, linked to reports by bankers to the National Crime Agency. Farage denies wrongdoing and says the money was a personal gift received before his 2024 election bid.