Nigel Farage resigns his seat

7 divisions · 2,078 written questions · 243 distinct askers · Read the full article

The week's biggest story was a resignation the official record has yet to catch up with. On Tuesday 7 July Nigel Farage announced that he would resign as the Member of Parliament for Clacton and fight the by-election his departure will trigger. A Member cannot simply quit. He must be appointed to a nominal Crown office known as the Chiltern Hundreds, and the seat falls vacant only when the Chancellor signs the warrant. Until then the record still lists him as the sitting Member, and as this goes out it does. He took the seat in 2024 with 21,225 votes and a majority of 8,405. The move follows press reports of undeclared support now before Parliament's standards commissioner. Farage denies any wrongdoing. The Commons also had a heavy legislative week, led by a new National Security (State Threats) Act and a review of foreign interference in politics.

The week in brief

Royal Assent for the State Threats Act, 8 July. The National Security (State Threats) Bill became law, giving the Home Secretary a designation power close to proscription for organisations acting for a foreign power. The Commons had agreed the Lords humanitarian activity defence two days earlier by 394 votes to 85.

Foreign Interference in UK Politics, 6 July. The democracy minister Samantha Dixon made a statement publishing the Government response to Philip Rycroft's independent review. The Government accepted every recommendation and promised tighter rules on overseas and cryptoasset donations.

Rochdale grooming gang deportation, 6 July. A Home Office minister took an urgent question on Shabir Ahmed, released on licence on 2 July, who cannot be deported because he arrived before 1973. Alex Norris said all options were on the table, including emergency legislation.

Early release of prisoners, 7 July. A Conservative opposition day motion on the early release of prisoners was carried 115 votes to nil, the Government abstaining by the usual convention.

The divisions, closest first

Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill, New Clause 4173–282

Opposition Day, Early Release of Prisoners115–0

Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill, New Clause 5177–308

Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill, New Clause 280–281

Employment Tribunals jurisdiction order318–107

Employment Tribunal time-limit regulations322–107

National Security Bill, Lords Amendment 1394–85

Written questions, by department

Health272Defence254Transport248Home Office151Ministry of Justice128Environment12819 others897

The most-asked subjects

20 Immigration19 Lord Mandelson15 Conversion Therapy14 Pregnancy: Thromboembolism13 Ministry of Defence: Artificial Intelligence13 Pre-school Education: Teachers

A sample of the week’s questions

Local Government Finance · Blake Stephenson, Conservative

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of her policies for fiscal devolution in relation to income tax on trends in the level of funding for local authorities.

The answer At her Mais Lecture, the Chancellor committed to work with mayors, businesses and other stakeholders to develop a fiscal devolution roadmap, to be published at the Budget, setting out plans to give regional leaders control over the allocation of a share of some national taxes. This work includes considering income tax alongside other taxes.

Employment and Poverty: Voluntary Organisations · Patrick Hurley, Labour

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the contribution of local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to reducing poverty and supporting employment outcomes.

The answer The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector is the bedrock of our communities, providing vital support to families experiencing poverty or unemployment. Over the last five years we have spent £650 million within it, the vast majority in employment services, and these organisations will be fundamental to our £500 million Better Futures Fund.

Feature

The Mandelson file: twenty-four questions, one member

The most concentrated written question press of the week came from one member. Mike Wood, the Conservative for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, tabled twenty-four questions on the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. They probe the security vetting decision, the redaction and disclosure of the appointment papers, and the roles of senior officials.

Ben Obese-Jecty asked more written questions than any other Member of Parliament this week with 81.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson answered the most with 144.

Every figure checked against the official Parliament record. henceforth.club