Reforms Zia Yusuf Gets Community Note On X Over Clacton By Election

Zia Yusuf has been hit with a community note on X after Reform UK offered to cover the costs of the by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation.

The party’s home affairs spokesman said they would “pay in full” so that taxpayers are not left out of pocket for staging the poll.

“It’s how politics should be done,” Yusuf said in a post on X.

But users of the social media platform were quick to point out that it was impossible for Reform to pick up the tab for the by-election, which is expected to be around £250,000.

A community note below his post said: “The costs of UK parliamentary by-elections are paid by the government from the Consolidated Fund and cannot be covered by political parties.”

A polling expert said Reform would actually be breaking the law if they paid for the by-election, which is set to take place next month.

Lord Hayward, who is a Conservative peer, said: “The oddest aspect of this is that Reform/Nigel Farage have said that they will pay for the by-election.

“The whole principle of British electoral law is that you separate the administration of the election from the party contest.

“Therefore it would be illegal – and Reform will know this – it would be illegal for them to make a payment to cover the cost of the by-election.

“Just imagine what Nigel Farage would have said at Makerfield, if [former Labour MP] Josh Simons announced his resignation and Labour said ‘we’re going to pay for this by-election because it isn’t absolutely necessary’.

“Nigel Farage would have gone berserk because in paying for the administration, you’re paying for the counters to count the ballot papers, you’re paying for the location of the polling stations, you’re paying for the election leaflets. There would be all sorts of accusations of interference.

“There is no way Reform can pay for that election.”

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