Rupert Lowe has confirmed that Restore will sit out the upcoming Clacton by-election. Nigel Farage’s enemy on the right said he refuses ‘to participate in a Reform-sponsored media circus’ – though Restore may yet join the fun if the Commons sleaze watchdog rules against Farage and a second by-election is triggered.
The party leader said:
Farage can play with his toys for the next six weeks, but Restore Britain is going to continue producing detailed policy papers, exactly as we have been, outlining how we can fix our country. I feel for the people of Clacton who deserve so much better than this unnecessary sham forced on them throughout their summer.
Mr S understands Labour is also leaning towards a boycott. The Lib Dems confirmed they will sit the showdown out. The Tories have yet to say whether they will field a candidate, though Kemi Badenoch wasted no time in tearing into Farage over the stunt. She said: ‘He went on telly, having a hissy fit, because for the first time he is finally having to face some scrutiny after a very long honeymoon and he cannot handle it.’
The Green Party has suggested – but are yet to confirm – that a Polanski-endorsed candidate will stand. Mr S, meanwhile, looks forward to a summer recess by the seaside. There are worse places for a political circus – even if some of the acts appear to have fled the big top.
UPDATE: The Tories will NOT be standing a candidate in the by-election, Kemi Badenoch has just confirmed.
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