Nigel Farage ‘living his best life’ in Clacton after questions over his whereabouts
Nigel Farage has announced that he has paid a visit to Clacton following criticism that he does not spend enough time in his constituency.
The Reform UK leader shared an image of himself on X alongside the caption: “I would like all my haters to know that I am once again in Clacton living my best life.”
It is not clear where he was visiting or if he met constituents, as his team declined to provide further information to Sky News.
Mr Farage was elected to the Essex seat at the July general election but has since faced accusations he has not spent much time there amid trips abroad to the US.
Asked about the issue in an interview with Sky News last week, he said: “I’ve just exchanged contracts on the house that I’ll be living there in, is that good enough?”
He said that while he was elected to represent Clacton he is “also leading a national political party”, so he has more commitments to juggle than a typical backbench MP.
A source close to him later said he had been in Clacton 10 times since the general election, and that he “has kept his promise to have a property in the constituency, writes a weekly column for the Clacton Gazette… and is having two further visits next week”.
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‘Mr Farage, are you spending enough time in Clacton?’
Mr Farage is a close ally of US president-elect Donald Trump and has been ridiculed by Sir Keir Starmer for making trips to America since being elected to parliament.
The matter was brought up during an exchange at PMQs on Wednesday, when Mr Farage suggested the prime minister “mend some fences between this government” and Mr Trump, accusing the cabinet of being “so rude about him over the last few years”.
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Sir Keir replied: “Well I’m glad to see the right honourable member making a rare appearance back here in Britain. He’s spent so much time in America recently, I was half expecting to see him on the immigration statistics.
“He may have missed that I did congratulate the incoming president last week.”
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Questions about Mr Farage’s whereabouts were also raised after he claimed he was advised by the House of Commons’ Speaker’s office not to hold in-person surgeries over fears for his safety.
A source at the Speaker’s Office told Sky News at the time they had no record of giving Mr Farage these instructions, and the former UKIP leader later backtracked on the remarks, saying: “The Speaker’s Office is always right.”
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Sir Keir Starmer has said he will be “looking towards a better, brighter future” in his first Christmas message as prime minister.
It comes almost six months into the Labour leader’s time in Downing Street, with the prime minister currently having to battle criticisms of his party’s management of the economy and the direction he is taking the country.
His message takes an optimistic tone, while also encouraging people to “look after those around us” and wishing for peace in the Middle East.
Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season.
“It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people.
“Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.”
Keir and Victoria Starmer hosted a Christmas party for children from four schools across London at Downing Street earlier this month. Pic: PA
The prime minister went on: “I’d like especially to thank those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year. In our NHS and emergency services, our Armed Forces and the churches and charities that will welcome every person this Christmas.
“Because I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone.
“Because as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us.
“This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story.
“I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings.
“So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.”
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Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Opposition, has also shared a Christmas message.
It strikes a similar tone to Sir Keir’s, although shares more personal anecdotes.
For example, the Tory leader says Christmas is her “very favourite time of year” due to “having lots of family around, seeing my friends, eating, drinking, having fun, making merry”.
She goes on to thank everyone in the country for “supporting each other”, and encouraging people to “support all of those people who need our assistance”.
Ms Badenoch says Christmas is her ‘very favourite time of year. Pic: PA
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, paid tribute to young carers in his Christmas message.
He looked after his sick mother as he was growing up, and tried to get a Christmas number one with a song raising awareness of young carers.
Ed Davey and Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas carrying a Christmas tree this month. Pic: PA
Sir Ed said: “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity.
“So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts.”
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