INTERVIEW: Controversial UK politician Nigel Farage forces by-election over financial allegations

One of Britain's most controversial politicians and leader of the right-wing Reform Party, Nigel Farage, has announced he is quitting his seat so he can clear his name over financial allegations. His resignation has triggered a by-election in the Essex seat of Clacton - but none of the major parties plan to stand against him. At this stage, there is only one satirical opponent standing - Count Binface, who always appears in public with a dustbin on his head. Mr Farage was a key figure in the campaign for Britain to leave the EU. A donation of five million pounds by a supporter based in Thailand has seen accusations that Mr Farage should have declared it to Parliament, but didn't. He claims the establishment and the media are using “foul means” to stop him. Tim Bale is professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London and he told the Associated Press Mr Farage is taking quite a gamble.