Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, argued that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had backed himself into a difficult position by forcing a by-election in Clacton that major political parties are boycotting. Farage resigned his parliamentary seat this week while facing an investigation over undisclosed donations—including a large sum from a cryptocurrency tycoon—and questions about other financial support. He wants the vote held as early as August 6, portraying it as a contest between ordinary people and the political establishment. Starmer accused Farage of staging a distraction while avoiding scrutiny of his conduct. The by-election’s result will determine whether a standards inquiry resumes and could lead to a recall petition.