7 July 2026

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said Nigel Farage’s resignation to trigger a by-election is a further debasement of Westminster politics.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:

“This latest stunt by Nigel Farage is a clear attempt to deflect scrutiny of his personal finances and represents another low for democracy on these islands. If he has nothing to fear, he should allow the standards investigation to take its course instead of trying to portray himself as the victim of trial by media in a way that only panders to his far-right support base.

“This latest episode of Westminster drama will not be lost on people in the North, who are fed up with political theatrics receiving more attention than the bread-and-butter issues they struggle with every day. Parliament is becoming more like a soap opera than a place where positive change is delivered for the public.

“The SDLP has been clear that Westminster is failing to meet the needs of people in the North and we want to build a shared future in a New Ireland. Whatever happens in Clacton, more and more people here will question whether remaining tied to Britain’s increasingly dysfunctional political system will provide the best future for them and their families.”