Reformist UK leader Nigel Farage said on Tuesday he would step down as an MLA to force an immediate by-election in his constituency.
The former Brexit campaigner, whose party is leading the national polls, has come under pressure over reports about undeclared donations and funding.
What did Faraz say about the by-election?
Faraz, who represents the Clashon constituency, said he would stand again in a televised speech in which he railed against press intrusion and accused the establishment of trying to hinder his party.
“I have decided that the people of Clacton should be the judge of my actions,” he said, referring to the Southeast England constituency he has represented for two years. “This will be a public versus establishment by-election,” he said in the statement.
Why is Faraj under pressure over undeclared funding?
The leader of the populist right-wing party has spoken out after reports about his support for longtime ally and convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
It is alleged that Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, funded accommodation, security and staff for Farage in the year before his election to Parliament.
A new MP must register all existing financial interests within one month of being elected, as well as any registrable profits received in the 12 months before their election. Faraz did not do this.
The ruling Labor Party has demanded a re-investigation of the allegations. An investigation has already been launched into a £5 million ($6.7 million) personal gift to Farage from Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated…