Voters in Nigel Farage's Essex constituency have delivered a damning verdict on their MP, accusing him of being largely absent and failing to deliver for the area while embarking on extensive international travel.
'He's not down here with the people enough'
The criticism follows a Daily Mirror investigation which revealed the Reform UK leader has travelled more than 50,000 miles across the globe and accepted thousands in hospitality since the general election. This included a VIP trip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Speaking to locals on the streets of Clacton, a consistent theme emerged: a belief that Mr Farage is more focused on his global profile than his local duties. Heather Wade, 83, a Mirror reader, was particularly blunt, describing him as a "rude, ignorant man" and stating she would never vote for him. "It is a problem for me, he's not down here with the people enough," she said regarding his frequent trips.
Voters feel used and question his impact
Retired resident Jonathan Roberts, 66, said he had never actually seen his MP and accused him of using the constituency for his own political agenda. "He hasn't really done much noticeably for the constituency," Mr Roberts claimed. "What does he do on these trips, apart from boost his ego? That doesn't do much for Clacton... He uses Clacton for his own political purposes."
This sentiment was echoed by John Roat, 49, an entertainment manager who voted for Reform UK in the general election but now rules out doing so again. "I did vote for him, I don't think he's done much at the moment," he explained, pointing to persistent local issues like unemployment. "He should be here really. If there is money to be spent, it should be spent on Clacton."
A defence from Farage's camp
In response to the allegations, a spokesman for Mr Farage insisted he is an "active Member of Parliament for Clacton." They highlighted his regular charity donations, a local newspaper column, and an upcoming business surgery in the constituency.
The spokesman also pointed to his voting record, stating: "As the leader of a national political party... he has also voted more times in the House of Commons than Kemi and Keir put together since July 2024." They concluded that "every single voter in Clacton will be the judge of Nigel's record at the next general election."
However, for some residents like Heather Wade's husband Tom, 86, the perception is firmly set. He described Mr Farage as "very false", criticising his public persona. Meanwhile, other voters, like parts manager Andrew Langdale, 56, admitted they had seen Mr Farage around more than the previous MP but remained politically indifferent.
The discontent in Clacton presents a significant challenge for the Reform UK leader, who must balance his national ambitions with the day-to-day expectations of the constituents who elected him.
