The winner of the Clacton by-election has been declared, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage taking the seat. The result was announced in the early hours of Friday morning after polling stations closed at 10pm on Thursday, August 13.
Farage's Victory
Mr Farage secured 22,239 votes, while his main challenger, Count Binface, received 9,455 votes. Turnout for the by-election was 44.37%. The Labour Party, Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Restore Britain did not field candidates, leaving Count Binface as the principal opponent.
Background to the By-Election
The by-election was triggered at the start of July after Mr Farage came under pressure over unregistered donations of cash and support. In a video statement at the time, Mr Farage said: “I have done nothing wrong. I have not broken the law in any way at all.” He accused the media of harassment and vowed to fight a “people versus the establishment” by-election.
Police Advice Dispute
Mr Farage did not attend the count, with a Reform UK spokesperson saying: “Essex Police advised Nigel not to attend the count tonight due to a credible threat against him.” However, the Press Association understands Essex Police did not tell Mr Farage, or any other candidate, not to attend. An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We have a proportionate and robust policing operation to ensure the safety and security of all participants in the count.”
Mr Farage had been MP for Clacton since the 2024 general election, when he won the seat with a majority of 8,405 votes over previous MP Giles Watling of the Conservative Party.
