Polls have closed in the Clacton by-election, triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation as MP. The contest, which Farage has framed as a battle of "people versus the establishment," saw voters in the Essex seaside constituency cast their ballots on a scorching day.
Major parties boycott, record candidates stand
The main Westminster parties boycotted the by-election, dismissing it as a political stunt. A record 34 candidates are standing, with joke candidate Count Binface emerging as Farage's main rival. Results are expected between 5am and 7am on Friday.
Farage faces finance probes
Farage resigned to trigger the by-election amid scrutiny over his financial affairs. He was facing a parliamentary investigation over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, received months before he took his Commons seat. The probe, examining whether the money should have been declared when he was elected in 2024, was paused upon his resignation but will resume if he wins.
Farage could also face a probe over financial support from long-term ally George Cottrell, known as "Posh George." If found to have broken rules and suspended for more than 10 days, it could trigger a recall petition and a possible second by-election.
