Essex readers divided over Reform UK finance investigations

While supporters dismiss the claims as a political stitch-up, critics insist the law must come first and investigations must be carried out.

It comes after Channel 4 News broadcast undercover footage gathered by Verbatim Investigations which is said showed senior Reform UK figures discussing ways to obtain support from an American donor, which would not be permitted under electoral law.

Reform denies wrongdoing and has launched an internal investigation.

In our reader poll, 82 per cent of 1,001 voters said Mr Farage should step down as an MP again, while 85 per cent of 714 respondents said they did not believe he would become Prime Minister.

The polls are unscientific and reflect only the views of those who chose to take part.

Poll - Of the 1001 people who answered the poll, 82 per cent said Nigel Farage should step down as MP again (Image: Flourish)

Elizabeth Fin said Reform was “the best for this country” and urged people to “ignore what’s being said” about Mr Farage.

“We need Nigel to be Prime Minister,” she said.

“Reform will do an investigation about what’s being said. Give him a chance to do this.”

Colin Martin also rejected the allegations, describing them as “another attempt by the Extreme Left in conjunction with the Media to try to fit up Reform”.

“We have seen it so many times, one fit up after another and they are all rather pathetic and are attempts that no sane person will ever believe,” he said.

Rupert Compton said he believed Reform was being targeted by opponents worried about the party’s growing influence.

“It seems to be open season on Reform by those who fear the party and the damage they may cause to the established order,” he said.

“Wherever the money is coming is of no interest to me, where my vote is going is of major importance to us all.”

But others argued the allegations should be treated seriously, regardless of political loyalties.

Leader - Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaking during the Reform UK National Conference, at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, on Saturday (Image: Will Colebourne/ PA Wire)

Paul Hayward said: “Views do not matter, the law of the land matters, simples.”

Martin Richardson said: “Those people saying, ‘I don’t care’ or ‘the other parties can’t be trusted either’… well, surely that’s exactly why we should be demanding better and more trustworthy politicians, rather than simply accepting that this level of corruption and questionable behaviour is somehow the norm?

“The fact that other parties may have their own problems shouldn’t be an excuse to lower our standards. Surely the answer is to vote for the people we believe will provide genuine improvement, greater accountability and higher standards.

“Otherwise, what are we actually voting for?”

Ray Langford said he believed Mr Farage may struggle to win over voters beyond Reform’s core supporters.

“Farage will never recover his position now,” he said. “Yes his faithful base will still back him but he’s turned off the more moderate conservative voters who might have put him into No.10.”

Paul Thorogood said: “Perhaps he should resign his seat and let the people of Clacton decide (again).”