Voters in Nigel Farage's Essex constituency have delivered a stinging rebuke, accusing the Reform UK leader of being an absent MP who is more focused on global travel than local issues. The criticism follows revelations that Farage has travelled over 50,000 miles and accepted thousands in hospitality since the general election, including a VIP trip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Constituents Feel Ignored and Unrepresented
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, residents of Clacton expressed deep frustration with their MP's perceived lack of engagement. Many described rarely seeing him in the area and questioned what tangible benefits his tenure has brought to the seaside town.
Jonathan Roberts, 69, a retired local, said he had never actually seen Mr Farage and accused him of using the constituency for his own political agenda. "He doesn't really see much of the constituency, allegedly, he spends a lot of time abroad, in the US and things like that," Roberts stated. He criticised the MP's frequent trips, asking, "What does he do on these trips, apart from boost his ego? That doesn't do much for Clacton."
Roberts concluded that Farage's politics were "not for Clacton," suggesting the MP showed little interest in representing his constituents' core interests.
A 'Rude, Ignorant Man' and a 'False' Persona
The personal criticism of Farage was particularly sharp from some quarters. Retired couple Tom Wade, 86, and Heather Wade, 83, were unequivocal in their disdain. Heather Wade labelled Farage a "rude, ignorant man" and declared, "I will never vote for him. He's up Trump's arse." She highlighted his absence as a key issue: "He's not down here with the people enough."
Tom Wade, while slightly more measured, described the Reform UK leader as "very false". He pointed to Farage's famous pint-of-Guinness image, saying, "Every time I see this guy, he's got a bloody Guinness up in his throat... His laugh is such a bloody false laugh." Heather added a further accusation, claiming, "He's out to line his own pocket."
Former Supporters Withdraw Backing
Perhaps more damaging for Farage were comments from those who had previously voted for him. John Roat, 49, an entertainment manager, said he backed Reform UK at the general election but would not do so again. "I don't think he's done much at the moment," Roat explained. "Overall, he's not really changed too much in Clacton, there's still a lot of unemployment... I don't see much change."
Roat noted that Farage seemed to be "doing more stuff away from Clacton" and insisted, "He should be here really. If there is money to be spent, it should be spent on Clacton." When asked to describe the MP in one word, he chose "marmite," indicating a polarising figure, but confirmed his vote was lost.
Not all feedback was negative. Andrew Langdale, 56, a parts manager, said he had seen Farage around the constituency more than the previous MP, Giles Watling. However, he remained politically indifferent and acknowledged that Clacton, like many seaside towns, had "definitely gone downhill."
Farage's Defence: An 'Active' MP with a National Role
In response to the criticism, a spokesman for Nigel Farage defended his record, insisting he is an "active Member of Parliament for Clacton". The spokesman cited regular charitable donations, a local newspaper column, and an upcoming business surgery in the constituency as evidence of his commitment.
The statement also pointed to Farage's dual role as a national party leader, claiming he has "voted more times in the House of Commons than Kemi and Keir put together since July 2024". The spokesman concluded defiantly: "Every single voter in Clacton will be the judge of Nigel's record at the next general election — not Daily Mirror reporters or opposition councillors with an axe to grind."
Despite this defence, the vocal complaints from a cross-section of his electorate suggest a significant challenge for Farage in mending local perceptions, as constituents weigh his international profile against their daily concerns in Clacton.
