Sir Jake Berry Criticizes Major Parties for Not Challenging Nigel Farage

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 12, 2026

Sir Jake Berry has condemned the main UK political parties for not opposing Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election, praising Farage's Reform Party for its willingness to challenge the establishment. This election underscores the growing influence of Reform despite internal and external pressures, with recent polls showing it in the lead but Farage personally facing low approval ratings.

Sir Jake Berry, former chairman of the Conservative Party, has criticized the main political parties for not fielding candidates against Nigel Farage in the upcoming Clacton by-election. Berry described the decision of the Conservatives, Labour, and Liberal Democrats to abstain from contesting the seat as lacking courage, comparing their reluctance unfavorably by saying they showed “less courage than a bloke with a bin on his head.”

Berry, who endorsed Farage’s Reform Party a year ago, praised Farage as “the only politician willing to break the mould and challenge the political establishment.” He expressed support for Farage’s choice to call the by-election and suggested it reaffirmed his commitment to the Reform Party. Berry credited Farage and Reform with a readiness to take risks, trust voters, and pursue substantive political change.

The former Tory chairman also raised concerns about what he characterized as establishment efforts to undermine Farage. A current investigation by a standards commissioner into whether Farage should have declared a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne has been suspended. Berry asserted that reformist politicians like Farage are targeted by entrenched powers seeking to impede their progress.

Recent polling data from Opinium shows Reform in the lead nationally with 24% support, although this represents a two-point drop from previous figures and the party’s lowest vote share since January 2025. Labour follows at 19%, down one point, with the Conservatives at 18%, also down one point. The Greens and Liberal Democrats showed gains, polling at 16% (+2) and 12% (+1), respectively. Despite Reform’s lead, Opinium noted that Farage’s personal approval rating stands at a net minus 27, the lowest level of his current parliamentary term, suggesting a degree of political vulnerability.

The Clacton by-election, set against this backdrop of shifting support and party strategies, highlights ongoing tensions within the UK’s political landscape, particularly regarding the emerging role of the Reform Party and Farage’s influence.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.