Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election with 22,239 votes, a 63% share, which he described as a triumph for the people of Clacton and for everyone who wants real change in the country.
A Verdict from the People
Farage, writing exclusively to Express readers, said the overwhelming victory on Thursday was not just a big win for him and Reform UK, but above all a triumph for the people of Clacton and for everybody who wants to see real change. He had called the by-election to make the people of Clacton his jury, and they delivered their verdict with more votes than he won in the 2024 general election.
Since being first elected to Parliament in 2024, Farage said the old Westminster parties and their media mouthpieces have devoted time to attacking him and Reform UK, trying to destroy them. He said they want to silence the party because it speaks up for the silenced majority who have had enough of uncontrolled immigration, rampant crime, the runaway cost of living crisis, and other problems of Broken Britain.
Establishment's Contempt
Farage said the old parties showed contempt for democracy by refusing to stand candidates in the by-election because they were scared and knew they would lose. Instead, they hid behind Count Binface, who became the candidate of the establishment. He said these parties deserve to be consigned to the dustbin of history.
He expressed gratitude for the show of faith, saying he will not let his constituents down. He also mentioned the brutal murder of his friend and Reform UK colleague Ann Widdecombe, which anti-terror police have linked to the arson attack on his home last year, raising concerns about safety and security.
Looking to the Future
Farage addressed the £5m personal gift he received from a friend before entering parliament, saying he can think of five million reasons why that gift is welcome to fund security for himself and his family, especially since Ann's murder. He said they will not allow threats and attacks to stop them from doing what needs to be done.
He plans to continue knocking on doors and meeting people in communities. The party conference next month will be the political event of the year, where Reform UK will outline plans to fix Broken Britain. He said the message from Clacton is loud and clear, and to those writing his political obituary, he assured them: "we are only just getting started."
