Reform MP condemns Farage standards probe as ‘kangaroo court’ amid Clacton boycott
The Runcorn MP argues that the parliamentary investigation into Nigel Farage’s conduct is illegitimate, while major parties boycott the Clacton contest but prepare for a potential second election if suspension is recommended.
Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin has characterised the parliamentary standards investigation into Nigel Farage as a “kangaroo court,” asserting that the process is part of a coordinated campaign by the media, the British state, and established political parties to undermine Reform UK. In response to the inquiry, Farage has triggered a by-election in his Clacton constituency, allowing voters to determine his conduct rather than submitting to what he deems an illegitimate process.
Pochin, the Runcorn MP, stated on X that Farage had “handed the power back to the people of Clacton” rather than submit to what she termed a kangaroo court in parliament. She claimed that “the media, the British state and the old parties have mounted a vicious and desperate campaign to stop Reform UK,” noting the irony that Clacton was once one of the safest Conservative seats, yet major parties are now refusing to field candidates against him.
The parliamentary standards commissioner is investigating whether Farage should have declared a £5m gift from Thai businessman Christopher Harborne and support from George Cottrell, including accommodation and filming costs. Farage maintains these gifts were unconditional and legally undeclarable, having previously argued that the investigation is being used as a “political tool” and that the commissioner and committee are illegitimate.
Farage told the Triggernometry podcast that the gifts were “totally undeclarable in every single way” and claimed he sought advice from a “top international lawyer” who confirmed the £5m was unconditional. Parliamentary rules require the declaration of gifts and benefits in kind for the 12 months prior to an MP entering parliament, but only if they are political in nature.
Major parties are boycotting the current by-election, which features more than 30 candidates, but have vowed to contest a potential second election if the commissioner recommends a substantial sanction, such as suspension, triggering a recall petition. Pochin’s remarks echo those of Boris Johnson, who also described the privileges committee as a “kangaroo court” when it found he deliberately misled parliament over Covid rule-breaking.