Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, said he will not be driven out of politics despite facing what he describes as intense opposition and numerous death threats. Speaking ahead of the Clacton by-election on Thursday, Farage attributed the backlash to what he called a decade-long rise of cancel culture aimed at silencing his party and the broader centre-right political voice.

Farage, who returned to politics full-time in 2024, highlighted the unusual level of hostility directed at him and Reform UK, claiming the party’s rapid rise poses a challenge to the traditional two-party dominance in British politics. He argued that this has led to coordinated efforts by establishment forces to marginalize Reform UK. “It’s as if there’s been a pile-up from the entire establishment on a level I’ve never seen,” Farage said, citing intense media scrutiny and a daily barrage of accusations.

The Reform UK leader stepped down as the Member of Parliament for Clacton last month amid media reports concerning his financial affairs and a parliamentary inquiry into a £5 million donation he received before his time as an MP. Farage has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to the investigation. His resignation triggered the upcoming by-election, which he is contesting as a candidate seeking to reclaim his seat.

Farage maintained that calling the by-election was a move to let voters decide on the legitimacy of the allegations and his political future. “I’ll ask the voters, because they see the news, they see the media. I’ll say to the voters of Clacton, ‘You decide, you be my judge,’” he said. He expressed confidence that most local residents understand his position amid what he describes as unfair treatment.

The Clacton by-election has attracted an unprecedented 34 candidates, setting a record for the number of contenders in a single parliamentary seat. Major parties such as Labour and the Conservatives have opted not to field candidates, in turn concentrating opposition around novelty candidates like Count Binface, the alter ego of comedian Jonathan Harvey.

Farage characterized the opposition’s approach as emblematic of a broader effort to exclude Reform UK from mainstream political debate. He described the current political environment as marked by “deep intolerance” from what he termed the modern Left, which he said seeks to silence centre-right perspectives. As Reform UK attempts to build on its success in taking control of 14 councils in the May local elections, Farage’s campaign in Clacton will be closely watched for indications of the party’s durability and impact on the UK political landscape.