The head of the UK’s anti-immigration political movement, Nigel Farage, has declared on Tuesday that he is leaving parliament in order to call for an early by-election.
He described the move as an opportunity for voters to judge his conduct following weeks of scrutiny over his finances.
Farage said he would step down as the MP for Clacton, the southeast England constituency he has represented for the past two years.
“I’ve decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions,” Farage said in a televised statement.
He added, “This will be a people versus the establishment by-election.”
The surprise move sets the stage for a closely watched electoral contest, with Farage seeking a fresh mandate from constituents amid mounting public attention over his financial affairs.
