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- Nigel Farage resigns as MP amid scrutiny over undeclared donations before by-election
- Conestoga College among institutions that did not seek government efficiency funding
- Stevens and El-Sayed clash over Israel and campaign finance in Michigan debate
- M23 near Gatwick Airport closed following fatal incident involving highways worker
- Suspect in Monaco explosion that injured Ukrainian billionaire found dead
- Donald Trump revives annexation claims over Greenland island
- US lawmakers introduce sweeping bill to enhance cybersecurity measures
- 99% of the global population will experience sunlight simultaneously on Wednesday
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Nigel Farage resigns as MP amid scrutiny over undeclared donations before by-election
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Get you up to speed: Why has UK Reform’s Nigel Farage resigned as MP? What happens next?
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, has resigned from his parliamentary seat amid allegations of undeclared donations, prompting a by-election in Clacton, eastern England. Other major political parties have confirmed they will not contest the by-election.
An investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is focused on a £5 million undeclared donation from Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne. Although other parties have opted not to contest the impending by-election, Labour has referred the related allegations to the Electoral Commission.
Following Nigel Farage’s resignation from parliament, opposition parties, including Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats, have refused to contest the upcoming by-election, labelling it a “political stunt”. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that “nobody is going to get drawn into what is a political stunt” as the investigation into Farage’s funding remains paused during this period.
What remains unclear — The outcome of the parliamentary investigation into Nigel Farage’s funding allegations is yet to be determined.
Nigel Farage resigns as MP amid scrutiny over undeclared donations before by-election
EXPLAINERNews|ElectionsWhy has UK Reform’s Nigel Farage resigned as MP? What happens next?
Farage faces intense scrutiny over undeclared donations before the 2024 elections as other parties say they will not field candidates in by-election.
Published On 8 Jul 20268 Jul 2026
The leader of the far-right, anti-immigration Reform UK party, Nigel Farage, has resigned from his seat in parliament and plans to stand again for his constituency amid allegations that he received and failed to declare millions of dollars in donations.
The surprise announcement came on Tuesday as Farage faced the possibility of a parliamentary investigation into at least two funding scandals. A finding against him could have seen Farage suspended from parliament, possibly triggering a recall petition and a by-election in his constituency, Clacton, in eastern England.
By stepping down preemptively, the Reform leader, whose popularity has soared over the past two years and who is now viewed as a favourite to be the next prime minister, has triggered a by-election on his own terms – in which he himself can stand.
“The people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions,” Farage said on Tuesday. “This will be a people vs the establishment by-election.”
Farage added: “I will fight to win.”
Other parties have already stated that they will not field candidates for a by-election Farage triggers.
The right-wing populist leader has been one of the loudest anti-immigration voices in the United Kingdom and was key to securing victory for the Brexit movement. His Reform party currently has just eight of 650 parliament seats but has been leading in opinion polls as anti-migrant sentiments flare in the UK. Last year, a YouGov poll found that Reform would likely win a general election were one to be held then.
In May, Labour lost massively to Reform in elections in Wales and Scotland and 136 local council elections in England. While Reform gained more than 1,450 seats, including in Labour strongholds, the governing party lost more than 1,460 seats, giving a strong indication of the surge in support for Reform across the country.
Here’s what we know:
Opposition Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey, centre, stands in front of a billboard showing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as he unveils a national campaign to mark the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum in London on June 23, 2026 [Kin Cheung/AP]
What is the funding scandal surrounding Nigel Farage?
Farage is facing an investigation by parliament into donations, including allegations he received undeclared money for his campaign.
Receiving gifts is not against parliament’s code of conduct, but failing to declare them can be.
The main investigation is one conducted by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards into a 5-million-pound ($6.7m) undeclared donation Farage received from Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne before announcing his candidacy in the 2024 general election.
On Tuesday, The Guardian newspaper said bankers had reported the donation to the National Crime Agency as potentially laundered money.
Farage has claimed the money was a personal gift, he received it before being elected to parliament and, therefore, it does not breach parliamentary rules.
“I have done nothing wrong. I have not broken the law in any way at all. I have not misused public money,” Farage said on Tuesday.
Separately, an investigation by The Sunday Times this week found that Farage received donations from convicted fraudster, cryptocurrency entrepreneur and longtime ally George Cottrell for security and staffing before the 2024 elections.
Cottrell, who has served as Farage’s aide in the past, was arrested in the US in 2016 while travelling with Farage on charges that he had offered to launder money for undercover agents posing as drug traffickers. He served eight months in prison and was released in March 2017.
Responding to the allegations on Sunday, Farage said he had done “nothing wrong” and was considering legal action against The Sunday Times.
On Monday, United States President Donald Trump, an ally of Farage, appeared to back the politician in a post on his Truth Social platform by sharing a link to an article headlined: “They’re running the 2024 anti-Trump playbook on Nigel Farage.”
Farage appears with newly elected councillors and MP Andrew Rosindell after local elections in the London Borough of Havering on May 8, 2026 [File: Jack Taylor/Reuters]
Why are other parties refusing to contest a by-election?
The ruling Labour Party and opposition Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have all accused Farage of “playing games” and said they will not put candidates forward in a by-election.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Farage’s announcement was a “desperate stunt” because the Reform politician was “up to his neck in sleaze”. The Labour Party has already referred the Cottrell case to the Electoral Commission.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC: “Nobody is going to get drawn into what is a political stunt by Nigel Farage because he wants to duck and dive around the rules that apply to everyone.”
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservatives, said her party “will not be standing a candidate in the fake by-election that Farage is causing to distract people from what is happening”.
While the parliamentary investigation into his affairs will be on hold for the duration of a by-election, it would resume if he regains his seat, which he is expected to do.
He comfortably secured more than 40 percent of the vote in Clacton in 2024 and will not face opposition from major parties in 2026.
If he’s re-elected, he could still be suspended and yet another election could be called in Clacton, this time without him as a candidate.
What has Reform UK said about all this?
Reform UK has sounded a defiant tone amid the scandal.
Deputy leader Richard Tice told UK media channel TALK that Farage will “receive a dramatically increased majority” in the by-election and the numbers will “prove to the rest of the electorate that more people want to vote for Nigel and Reform because they recognise that Britain is broken”.
In a post on X, the party said: “For too long the establishment in Westminster has passed judgement on Nigel Farage’s political integrity.”
“It’s time for the people of Clacton to decide,” it added.
Reform has also said it will pay for the by-election in Clacton in what critics say is an attempt to deflect claims it is wasting taxpayers’ money.
Conestoga College among institutions that did not seek government efficiency funding
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Get you up to speed: Conestoga among colleges that didn’t apply for government money to find efficiencies
Conestoga College has faced financial issues and has had a government supervisor appointed. The institution has been particularly reliant on international students for revenue.
Conestoga College has faced financial scrutiny, leading to the appointment of a government supervisor to oversee its operations. The institution’s reliance on international students for revenue has raised concerns about its long-term financial stability.
Conestoga College has acknowledged its financial challenges and the appointment of a government supervisor, indicating a commitment to addressing these issues. The college’s future plans will likely focus on stabilising its financial situation while continuing to support its international student population.
What remains unclear — The extent of the financial issues that led to the appointment of a government supervisor at Conestoga College is not specified.
Conestoga College among institutions that did not seek government efficiency funding
Conestoga College was particularly reliant on international students for revenue and, in the past few months, has seen a government supervisor appointed for its financial issues.
Stevens and El-Sayed clash over Israel and campaign finance in Michigan debate
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Get you up to speed: Democrats Stevens and El-Sayed clash over Israel and campaign money in tense Michigan Senate primary debate
Rep. Haley Stevens and former Michigan health official Abdul El-Sayed debated on support for Israel and party direction in Michigan on Tuesday. The debate intensified following state Sen. Mallory McMorrow’s suspension of her campaign, with both candidates revealing stark differences in their political stances.
The Michigan Senate primary between Rep. Haley Stevens and former health official Abdul El-Sayed is scheduled for 4 August, with the winner poised to advance against former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers in the general election. With Democratic Sen. Gary Peters retiring, the race is critical for the party’s efforts to maintain control of the Senate, requiring the Democrats to flip four seats while defending competitive ones.
Rep. Haley Stevens and former Michigan health official Abdul El-Sayed engaged in a contentious debate, highlighting their differing views on Israel and corporate influence in politics. With the primary set for August 4, the candidates’ fierce exchanges underscore the critical importance of this race for Democrats in maintaining control of the Senate majority.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how state Sen. Mallory McMorrow’s campaign suspension will affect the dynamics of the primary race.
Stevens and El-Sayed clash over Israel and campaign finance in Michigan debate
Michigan’s remaining Democratic Senate candidates — Rep. Haley Stevens and former Michigan health official Abdul El-Sayed — sparred over support for Israel and the direction of the Democratic party during a one-on-one debate Tuesday.
Two days earlier, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow suspended her campaign, shaking up an already-heated primary that has been marred by intraparty fighting. McMorrow cast herself as the middle ground between Stevens, a moderate who has the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and El-Sayed, a progressive who is supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Stevens asserted El-Sayed’s campaign was propped up by Republicans who are hoping to make it easier for former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers to win the general election in November and accused El-Sayed of being publicity-hungry. El-Sayed accused Stevens of being beholden to corporate donors and the pro-Israel political action committee AIPAC.
“We do not need a celebrity senator. We need a workhorse,” Stevens said.
El-Sayed responded: “We also don’t need politicians bought off by corporations.”
The primary between Stevens and El-Sayed is Aug. 4, with the winner advancing to compete against Rogers in the general election. Rogers narrowly lost his last bid for Senate to Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024. Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, who currently holds the seat, is retiring.
The race is one of the mostly closely watched Senate contests this cycle. Holding the seat is critical to Democrats’ chances of winning the Senate majority in November. In order to regain control of the Senate, Democrats need to flip four seats while defending other competitive seats, including in Michigan.
The Democratic candidates took far more shots at one another Tuesday than at a prior debate in May, despite deep divisions, particularly over Israel. El-Sayed has been highly critical of Israel while Stevens has been supportive of the nation.
Tuesday’s debate put those divisions on display.
“For too long, our foreign policy has been handed to us by the likes of the state of Israel and AIPAC, who has made sure that Democrats and Republicans are doing their bidding,” El-Sayed said.
El-Sayed argued the U.S. should stop sending aid or selling military equipment to Israel, saying, “we cannot continue to sell weapons to a country that is doing human rights abuses, genocide and apartheid.”
“I also believe that we need to stop running cover for what has become a rogue state that is now trying to annex southern Lebanon,” he said.
Stevens was critical of both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran. She said the difference between her and El-Sayed is that she believes in a two-state solution with both an Israeli and a Palestinian state.
“I can say that Israel has a right to peacefully exist alongside the people of Palestine and in Gaza,” she said.
Stevens frequently touted her record as a moderate House member, while El-Sayed criticized parts of it, including her support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a free trade deal struck during Mr. Trump’s first term that is controversial in manufacturing-heavy Michigan.
The issue of money in politics came up repeatedly, and led to some bitter exchanges between the two candidates.
El-Sayed sought to link virtually every issue — from Israel to artificial intelligence policy — to the flood of outside spending in the race, and argued Stevens could end up doing the bidding of her financial backers.
Stevens pointed to a pro-El-Sayed super PAC backed partially by her opponent’s father-in-law. She also repeatedly hammered El-Sayed for not releasing his recent tax returns, asking, “what are you hiding?”
“Abdul, you talk about getting money out of politics and putting money in people’s pockets, but who is putting money in yours?” she said.
El-Sayed said he requested an extension on his financial disclosure — something Stevens has also done.
About 30 minutes into the debate, the moderator went off-script and said he was going to give each candidate 30 seconds to “to pursue whatever this is that’s going on here.”
“Obviously, you’ve got a question about some of the money in her campaign, you’ve got a question about some of the money in his pocket,” said Rick Albin, a political reporter for West Michigan television station WOOD TV8.
Stevens said El-Sayed wants to make “this race about lies and attacking my integrity.”
“Can we stop the lies and can we get the transparency out that my opponent’s long talked about?” she said, after listing off her accomplishments.
“I’d love to stop the lies,” El-Sayed countered, before once again going after the outside spending in favor of Stevens. “I think it’s really important for us to understand who’s paying for them and what was said on the backend to allow them to be told.”
On the future of the Democratic Party, El-Sayed said the party will continue on the same track “if we continue to elect leaders who take money from the same corporations who have broken with the interests of the American public.”
“Chuck Schumer desperately wants one of us to be the next senator, and it’s not me,” El-Sayed said. “So if you want your politics dictated to you by AIPAC or Chuck Schumer, then I’m not your guy.”
Stevens did not directly answer the question on whether the direction of the party is shifting.
“There are many who want to make this run for U.S. Senate about Washington, D.C. insider deals and what’s going on with our party leadership. Friends, this is about the future of Michigan,” Stevens said.
M23 near Gatwick Airport closed following fatal incident involving highways worker
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Get you up to speed: M23 near Gatwick Airport shut after highways worker ‘hit by van driver’ | News UK
A 65-year-old highways worker from Kent was killed in a collision on the M23 southbound at Junction 9 for Crawley and Gatwick shortly before 1am. A 38-year-old man from Croydon, the driver of the van involved, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 of the M23 is expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon as investigation efforts continue. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage are urged to contact Sussex Police to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Sussex Police confirmed that investigations into the crash are ongoing and have urged eyewitnesses or individuals with dashcam footage to come forward. In light of the incident and the expected prolonged closure of the southbound M23, National Highways has advised drivers to plan for alternative routes, particularly those travelling to Gatwick Airport.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed whether the closure of a stretch of the M23 at junction 8 for the M25 is related to the incident involving the highways worker.
M23 near Gatwick Airport closed following fatal incident involving highways worker
A section of the M23 has been closed for hours near Gatwick Airport after a highways worker was killed in a crash.
The roads worker, a 65-year-old man from Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a van.
The crash happened on the M23 southbound at junction J9 for Crawley and Gatwick shortly before 1am, which remains closed.
A 38-year-old man from Croydon, the driver of the van, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving. He remains in police custody.
Drivers face severe delays as the motorway is expected to remain shut into the afternoon while a crash investigation is carried out.
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Sergeant Chris Ambrose said: ‘A highways worker, a 65-year-old man from Kent, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.
‘We are fully investigating the circumstances and we ask anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who has dashcam footage, to come forward.
‘The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 is likely to be closed, with diversions, until late morning, and motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes.’
People travelling to the UK’s second busiest airport are told to allow extra time and to use alternative routes.
National Highways said: ‘Due to the serious nature of the incident, Sussex Police investigations remain ongoing and will continue to take place throughout the day. The carriageway is expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon.
‘Road users heading to London Gatwick Airport this morning are advised to allow plenty of extra time and to consider alternative routes.’
Delays are building up in the area in both directions, with rush hour traffic snarling back to junction 10.
Sussex Police said: ‘The southbound carriageway there is likely to be closed all morning following the collision, which happened just before 1am.
‘Diversions are in place and motorists are encouraged to plan alternative routes.’
The force asked any eyewitnesses or motorists with dashcam footage to get in touch.
A stretch of the M23 is also closed at junction 8 for the M25, but it is not known whether this is related to the same incident.
Diversion route for drivers during M23 closure
National Highways has shared this route for motorists:
- Follow the hollow diamond symbol on road signs
- Exit the M25 at J6 and take the A22 southbound towards Eastbourne
- Remain on the A22 for approximately nine miles, passing through South Godstone and Blindley Heath, to reach the junction with the A264 at Felbridge
- At the traffic lights with the A264, turn right towards Crawley/Gatwick Airport
- Remain on the A264 for approximately 5 miles, passing Copthorne, to reach J10 of the M23 to continue your journey
Suspect in Monaco explosion that injured Ukrainian billionaire found dead
8:00 am
Get you up to speed: Suspect in Monaco explosion that left Ukrainian billionaire critical ‘shot dead’ | News World
Anastasiia Berezovska, the suspect in a deliberate explosion targeting Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev in Monaco, was found dead in Kyiv. Ermolaev remains in a critical condition, and two individuals have been detained in connection with the incident.
Ukrainian police located Anastasiia Berezovska’s body in Kyiv on Monday night, reportedly confirming she had been shot. Two individuals connected to the Main Intelligence Directorate are in custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the explosion that critically injured Vadim Ermolaev and resulted in severe injuries to Anna Nasobina.
Ukrainian authorities confirmed the discovery of Anastasiia Berezovska’s body in Kyiv late on Monday, and a current officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate along with a former law enforcement officer have been detained in connection with the incident. Following the blast that critically injured Vadim Ermolaev and led to severe injuries for Anna Nasobina, investigations are set to continue with a focus on the roles of those detained and any possible accomplices involved in the attack.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed whether the detained individuals are connected to the motive behind the explosion orantep on the detained individuals.
Suspect in Monaco explosion that injured Ukrainian billionaire found dead
The suspect in a ‘deliberate’ explosion that left a Ukrainian oligarch ‘fighting for his life’ has reportedly been found dead.
Anastasiia Berezovska was wanted by Interpol after a backpack of explosives was planted inside a luxury Monaco apartment.
Billionaire Vadim Ermolaev, 58, was left in a critical condition after the blast, while his ‘lover’ Anna Nasobina needed to have both legs amputated.
Ukrainian police are understood to have discovered Berezovska’s body in Kyiv at around 11pm on Monday.
The woman had reportedly been shot, sources told Ukrainian outlet Pravda.
A current officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate and a former law enforcement officer have been detained.
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Vadim Ermolaev, 58, also known as Vadym Yermolaiev, suffered life-threatening injuries in the blast (Picture: East2west News)
London-based ???mistress??? of Ukrainian tycoon Vadim Ermolaev, 58, and mother of his son, 13. She is reported to have been severely injured in a bomb blast in Monaco seen as targeting Ermolaev.” decoding=”async” loading=”lazy”/>
His lover, 46-year-old Anna Nasobina, had to have both legs amputated (Picture: East2west News)
Berezovska was wanted on suspicion of attempted murder, placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.
Interpol issued an arrest warrant for the suspect and described her as having a large tattoo, possibly of a snake, on her right arm from the shoulder to elbow.
Authorities believe she was working with accomplices, and a warrant for her arrest has been issued.
Berezovska had Ukrainian nationality and could speak German.
However, Ukrainian sources also suggested that she could have been born in Kazakhstan, with a Russian passport and living in Crimea, possessing Ukrainian documents so she could easily live in the European Union.
Berezovska was reportedly pro-Vladimir Putin and known for her ties to organised crime.
The suspect was allegedly seen on CCTV, wearing a black hat, tracksuit, white jeans, and trainers, dropping off bags shortly before the blast at around 9pm on Monday.
The backpack was believed to have been full of nuts and bolts, with the Monaco prosecutor claiming the person responsible for planting it then used a remote control to detonate.
An international manhunt was launched for Anastasiia Berezovska (Picture: Interpol/Best Image/Backgrid)
The suspect likely used a car with a German registration plate.
In the immediate aftermath of the blast at the residential block in the La Rousse district, one fellow resident said it sounded as if ‘thunder was coming from behind the mountains’.
Meanwhile, a horrified witness recalled seeing Nasobina with her ‘feet missing’ before she, along with Ermolaev and his teenage son, was rushed to a hospital in Nice.
Silvano Ippolito, who lives across from the building, told BFM TV: ‘She was slumped over, covered in blood.’
He called for his wife, who is a doctor and was able to intervene ‘very quickly, before the emergency services arrived, to apply tourniquets and perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation’ as Nasobina was ‘losing consciousness’.
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Donald Trump revives annexation claims over Greenland island
7:00 am
Donald Trump revives annexation claims over Greenland island
Greenland Rhetoric
US President Donald Trump has revived his interest in the annexation of the Arctic island of Greenland.
US President Donald Trump has revived his interest in the annexation of the Arctic island of Greenland.
Geopolitical Implications
Revived interest in Greenland highlights its strategic location and potential resources, influencing diplomatic relations and Arctic policies among major powers.
Revived interest in Greenland highlights its strategic location and potential resources, influencing diplomatic relations and Arctic policies among major powers.
Presidential Remarks
“The notion of acquiring Greenland is not absurd, it’s a strategic consideration we must explore,” stated US President Donald Trump during a recent briefing.
“The notion of acquiring Greenland is not absurd, it’s a strategic consideration we must explore,” stated US President Donald Trump during a recent briefing.
Newsletter: Something is rotten in the state of Turkey
In today’s newsletter: US President Donald Trump revives his annexationist rhetoric of the arctic island of Greenland, ambassadors in Brussels bristle over what to do about Serbia, and a letter about FIFA is making waves in the European Parliament.
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