Aug 19, 2024 | How does Clacton feel about their new MP, Nigel Farage? Farage has just defended a huge payment from GB News after being revealed as the highest-earning MP. Farage, who was elected to serve Clacton, said he is receiving almost £98,000 a month for presenting GB News.
The recently published register of MPs' interests stated the payment was made for a reported 32 hours a week. Farage's declaration of gifts stated he had visited the US from July 17 to July 19 directly after the state opening of Parliament. He made reference to the assassination attempt on US presidential candidate Donald Trump as the purpose given for his visit.
He claimed he had travelled to Milwaukee to "support a friend who was almost killed". He also claimed to have been there "to represent Clacton on the world stage".
Jun 22, 2024 | This week I visited Clacton-on-Sea, the town which voted 73.04% in favour of Brexit and where Nigel Farage is standing in the coming general election.
Clacton is a small seaside town of 50,000 population. The town centre is shabby and neglected. The people in Clacton appear to be poor and deprived. It is evident that many people are overweight, no doubt because of poor diet, and many are dependent upon mobility scooters.
There are eleven charity shops in the town centre. There are homeless people in the town who clearly need help.
Clacton voted overwhelmingly in favour of Brexit and yet it seems clear that they have suffered from its consequences. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is standing for Parliament and could well be elected on 4th July as the MP for Clacton. It is very doubtful how keen he will be to devote time and attention the poor citizens of Clacton, though.
About Clacton… As you said, it’s not Bel Air or Knightsbridge. Nor, as a seaside town, is it Nice! The descriptors that immediately come to mind are depressing, sad, shabby, and, in parts, tacky. Clearly, the town has seen its best days.
