Nigel Farage latest: Reform leader insists Count Binface showdown is ‘real’ after by-election ridiculed

The Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou writes:

A government minister has said he “won’t bother voting” by election in Clacton if he lived there

Business secretary Sir Chris Bryant was asked whether he would support Nigel Farage’s only rival, Count Binface.

He told the BBC: “Listen, if I lived in Clacton I wouldn’t bother voting and that’s not something I would normally say.”

“But this, as I said, is the worst kind of comedy. It’s nonsense without any jokes in it.”

Asked whether the decision by all the major parties not to nominate candidates was “indulgence in petty politics” he said: “This is a piece of nonsense with no jokes in it that Nigel Farage will be playing out over the next few weeks and I’m not going to take part in it.”

The Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou writes:

A government minister has accused Nigel Farage of “trying to act like Donald Trump” by calling a snap election in Clacton.

Sir Chris Bryant, the business secretary, said Labor had decided not to nominate a candidate after Mr Farage had a “hissing fit”, adding: “I just don’t think we should be in on this game.”

“I know what Nigel Farage is trying to do,” he told Sky News.

“He’s trying to act like he’s Donald Trump and they’re all trying to act like they’re after me, on my behalf, these things.

“I just don’t think most ordinary members of the public would like it.”

The Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou writes:

Nigel Farage has insisted the election he is fighting in Clacton-on-Sea is “real” – despite the only major candidate running against him being a man dressed as a bin.

The Reform UK leader’s bid to trigger a snap election on Tuesday backfired heavily after all major parties said they would not take part in the “sham” contest.

The only candidate he has faced so far is a ‘joke’ candidate named Count Binface.

When asked Thursday if he had considered the possibility of fighting as the only viable candidate, he said: Daily Mail: “Of course not. Why would they? [not contest]? “This is a real choice.”

He added: “Labour and the Conservatives don’t want to survive, they both underestimate voters. They can use whatever terms they want – this is a real election with real people.”

Former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will be officially named Labor leader at a special conference on Friday, July 17, unless another candidate emerges.

He is expected to become prime minister three days later.

The Makerfield MP will continue to attend online meetings with Labor MPs on Monday evening, even if he is the only one running.

When former defense minister Al Carns was asked whether he would feature on Sky News, he said it was clear that a three-month contest was “probably not the best use of Labour’s time”.

“So in my view we need to get on board. Andy has done a good job in Manchester, he’s done a great job during Covid, he’s seen the Manchester Arena attack and he’s dealt with it very effectively and he’s had a positive impact on the economic trajectory of Manchester.

“If we can do this locally, regionally and nationally, I think it hits the right spot.”

The Green Party appears divided on defense policy after members called on the party to allow the use of semi-autonomous drones and anti-ballistic missile systems; This would represent a U-turn in current policy.

Deciding on the rules cannot be delegated to seaside towns in Essex, writes David Aaronovitch:

Many voters in Clacton believe support for the scandal-plagued former MP is unwavering:

Parliament’s foreign affairs committee wants to be given the power to veto political appointments to senior diplomatic posts following the scandal over Peter Mandelson’s role as ambassador to Washington.

MPs on the committee said there were still unanswered questions about Mandelson’s appointment and the documents showed a “dismissive view” of the need for security clearance.

They are pushing for reform of vetting and due diligence, including that public appointments not be made until the review is complete.

Mandelson was dismissed as US ambassador in September 2025; After the emails were leaked, she sent supportive messages to the late pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while he was facing prison for sex crimes.

In April, it was revealed that State Department officials had granted precedent enhanced review despite a recommendation to reject it.

Andy Burnham has announced he wants billions of pounds of additional defense spending on British businesses.

As Prime Minister, he would aim to support British jobs and British workers by relying on Britain rather than American or European companies for equipment.

Don’t write TimesHe said his priority would be “to protect the UK by increasing defense spending, stimulating local industry and strengthening our alliances”.

He added that he wants to be more open to the public about how and where defense funds are spent.

“We will take a new approach to renew and reindustrialize the country and thereby strengthen its resilience.

“The same approach would treat foreign policy, economic policy, security, social cohesion and British values ​​as inextricably linked elements of the same strategic problem.”