Badenoch wrote: “Mr Farage wants the people of Clacton to settle his problems for him.

“He wants to point to you and say, ‘even after the £5m scandal, Clacton still chose me’.

“The people of Clacton are entitled to ask why someone would donate Nigel Farage that kind of money”.

The Reform leader has said the money was an “unconditional gift”.

Farage previously said the money was for his security, given to him “with the knowledge that the state in this country has never, ever wanted to help” with his personal protection.

Badenoch, who is the North West Essex MP, continued: “When the proper process has run its course and there is a genuine contest, we will be there.

“I will put forward a serious candidate who understands that representing Clacton is a job — someone who turns up, listens, holds meetings and works for the people who live here.

“When the real choice comes, the Conservatives will be there and I hope we can earn your support.”

Farage’s opponents in Clacton include Count Binface, actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox, and three candidates from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party – Nick The Incredible Flying Brick, its leader Alan “Howling Laud” Hope and Baron Von Thunderclap.

A spokesperson for Reform UK said: “If Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives truly had any respect for democracy they would have stood a candidate in this by-election.

“The truth is that the Tories have turned their backs on the people of Clacton by refusing to put up a candidate. It’s the latest in a long list of betrayals.

“Voters here have the chance to send a resounding message to the Tories and the rest of the failing political establishment by voting for Nigel Farage and Reform next Thursday.”

The constituency includes the towns of Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze, as well as villages stretching inland to Frating, Tendring, Wix and Little Oakley.

A full list of the 34 candidates is available here.

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