Will Farage’s gamble pay off?

Will Farage’s gamble pay off?

Author: Financial Times August 7, 2026 Duration: 42:56

Political Fix hit the Essex seaside this week to hear directly from Clacton voters ahead of the by-election next Thursday, which Nigel Farage has triggered in the wake of scrutiny of his finances. He’s framing it as a “people versus the establishment” contest – but what do local residents think? Why, at a time when his national ratings have plunged, does the Reform leader’s popularity in Clacton appear undiminished? 


Host Lucy Fisher is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross and UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley to discuss the contest and Reform’s broader fortunes. Plus, the trio examine Kemi Badenoch's judgement in supporting the council candidacy of a former neo-Nazi, as well as the Tories’ and Labour’s efforts to convince business of their respective growth credentials. 


Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and Robert: 


Want more?  

‘I’ll support him all the way’: Clacton voters rally to Nigel Farage despite heightened scrutiny

The good, the bad and the green of Badenoch

Reform repaid Tice loan on same day £1mn donated by mother of Farage aide Cottrell

Reform UK promises large-scale ‘military operation’ to block small boat crossings

Kemi Badenoch ‘sad’ over former antisemite’s withdrawal as Tory council candidate 

Conservatives rebuild relations with UK business after rocky two years

UK to strip back procurement rules to focus on job creation, says Louise Haigh



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Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Persis Love and Clare Williamson. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Petros Gioumpasis. 


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com



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Every Friday, the team behind Political Fix gathers to make sense of the week's political turbulence. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a deep, often lively conversation that pulls back the curtain on how decisions are really made in Westminster and beyond. You'll hear from the Financial Times journalists who are actually there, in the corridors and committee rooms, paired with expert voices who provide crucial context. Together, they untangle complex policy debates, analyse the shifting alliances, and question the strategies defining Britain's future. The result is a clear-eyed, authoritative look at the forces shaping the nation, delivered with the FT's signature rigor and insight. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a private briefing, one that prioritizes substance over noise. It’s for anyone who wants to move past the soundbites and understand the real stories and personalities driving the political agenda. New episodes arrive weekly, offering a consistent and essential perspective on a landscape that never stops moving.
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