The SNP has renewed its call for Scottish independence following Nigel Farage’s decision to resign as MP for Clacton and contest the resulting by-election.

The party argues the latest developments are further evidence of what it describes as continuing political instability at Westminster.

Nigel Farage announced he would resign his Commons seat to seek a fresh mandate from voters in Clacton following allegations concerning his finances.

Mr Farage has denied wrongdoing and said he has complied with the rules.

SNP Westminster Leader Dave Doogan said the announcement underlined the need for Scotland to determine its own future.

Dave Doogan MP said:

“Nigel Farage is a dangerous chancer, and it was only ever a matter of time before one of his many scandals caught up with him.

“It is ironic that he claims to be a victim of the establishment, when he has in fact been caught out in a classic Westminster scandal.

“Farage openly admitted pocketing millions and millions of pounds from his cronies for delivering Brexit, a Brexit which has made people in Scotland poorer.

“Instead of standing up to him, the Westminster establishment has embraced his Brexit and repeated his toxic rhetoric.

“For Scotland, the only route to a Farage free future is to build beyond broken Britain through the fresh start of independence.”

He added:

“Today’s announcement means that Westminster chaos is set to continue this summer in Clacton.

“Farage is in chaos, the Labour Party in chaos, constant chaos is now the permanent pattern at Westminster.

“All the while energy bills are rising, unemployment is soaring, and food prices are sky high.

“The Scottish people deserve so much better, we need to escape the constant chaos of Westminster and escape the threat of a Farage future.

“Scotland needs the fresh start of independence.”

The announcement is expected to intensify political debate over both the Clacton by-election and Scotland’s constitutional future in the weeks ahead.