Labour has accused Nigel Farage of potentially breaching parliamentary rules by disclosing details of an ongoing investigation into his conduct during his resignation speech. The party suggests that the scope of the inquiry into Mr Farage could be expanded following his announcement of a second standards investigation.

Under parliamentary procedures, members of Parliament are prohibited from revealing information about ongoing investigations unless legally compelled or granted permission by the standards commissioner. Reform UK, Mr Farage's party, rejected claims that he violated any rules, arguing that he was not informed of the additional investigation prior to his statement.

On July 7, Mr Farage resigned as the Member of Parliament for Clacton, prompting a by-election. During his resignation speech, he accused the standards commissioner of being used as a political instrument against him and disclosed the existence of a second inquiry. The initial investigation concerns allegations that Mr Farage failed to properly declare a £5 million donation. The subsequent inquiry reportedly relates to undeclared donations from George Cottrell, a close associate of the former MP. Mr Farage stated: “Now, the standards commissioner investigating me over the gift has now reared its head again as a result of a lot of copy in this week’s Sunday Times... yet another standards investigation is under way. Standards are now being used as a political tool.”

Reform UK maintains that Mr Farage was unaware of the second investigation and that his comments referred to the MPs who had submitted complaints to the standards commissioner. Sources indicate that at least two MPs had formally requested the commissioner to open an investigation by the time of his resignation. A party spokesperson explained that Mr Farage considers all complaints as investigations, regardless of their official status.

Contrastingly, two Reform UK officials reportedly informed a national newspaper that the standards commissioner had notified Mr Farage prior to his departure that the probe was being broadened to include the allegations involving Mr Cottrell.

Earlier this month, Daniel Greenberg, the parliamentary standards commissioner, reaffirmed a strict approach to MPs disclosing investigation details. He recently ruled that Labour MP Dr. Peter Prinsley had inadvertently breached this rule.

Should the inquiry find fault with Mr Farage, sanctions could range from a formal apology to suspension from Parliament. A suspension of ten days or more would enable Clacton constituents to initiate a recall petition, potentially triggering a second by-election. The investigation is not anticipated to conclude before September.