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Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Restore Britain have all ruled out contesting the Clacton by-election triggered by the resignation of Nigel Farage.

The Reform UK leader said that, having announced his resignation, he would re-fight the Essex seat in what he billed as a "people versus the establishment" by-election.

Facing increasing scrutiny over his finances and a parliamentary investigation, Farage said the "people of Clacton should be the judge of my actions".

Labelling the election a "circus", Labour accused Farage of "desperately trying to change the subject".

"It's pathetic, and the Labour Party is not going to indulge it," a spokesperson said.

"Farage should let the parliamentary investigation into his finances run its course and face the consequences."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would not participate in "the fake election, which Nigel Farage is causing to distract people from what is happening".

The Liberal Democrats urged the government to block Farage's resignation until the standards investigation had concluded, arguing that his constituents needed "all the facts before they cast their votes".

Restore Britain - set up by the MP Rupert Lowe after he was suspended from Reform - said it would not stand in this election but would do so if a second by-election was ultimately triggered by the standards inquiry.