Desi entrepreneur in fray for unusual UK byelection

London: Indian-origin entrepreneur Ketankumar Pipaliya is among 34 candidates contesting an unusual UK parliamentary bypoll on Thursday, in which Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is seeking re-election.

Pipaliya, founder of the UK Voice party, is challenging Farage in Clacton-on-Sea, a seat the anti-immigration leader won in the July 2024 general election.

The governing Labour and Opposition Conservatives are boycotting what they call a “fake by-election” called by Farage amid allegations of financial impropriety.

Farage resigned as Clacton MP last month following allegations involving donations. He has denied wrongdoing.

Pipaliya, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who has previously unsuccessfully contested parliamentary and mayoral elections, said UK Voice favours “controlled borders and a fair immigration system” while seeking stronger cooperation with Europe.