Polls have closed in Clacton after thousands turned out to vote in one of the most unusual by-elections in recent times. The vote was triggered by Nigel Farage, who resigned as an MP last month in protest at media and parliamentary scrutiny of donations from his backers.
Mr Farage was being investigated by the parliamentary standards commissioner regarding a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne. The Reform UK leader wanted the by-election to be a “people versus the establishment” showdown, but all the main political parties boycotted the vote.
Record number of candidates
Green leader Zack Polanski said his party would not participate in a “circus”, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of having a “hissy fit”. Despite their absence, a record 34 candidates are standing.
Mr Farage’s opponents include Count Binface, actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox, the Monster Raving Loony Party and a number of independent candidates. The 90cm-long ballot paper, required to fit all candidates, means larger tables than usual will be needed at the count.
Logistical challenges
The contest, estimated to have cost taxpayers around £250,000, has caused logistical problems for Tendring District Council and returning officer Ian Davidson. The result will be announced on the floor of Clacton Leisure Centre rather than on a stage due to the number of candidates, and photographers and TV cameras have been advised they will need a wide-angle lens to fit all candidates into a single shot.
In the 2024 general election, Mr Farage won Clacton with 46.2% of the vote and a majority of 8,405 over Conservative rival Giles Watling. The results of the by-election are expected to be announced between 5am and 7am on Friday morning.
