Polls have closed in the Clacton by-election, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage waiting to learn if his political gamble to regain the seaside seat has paid off. The contest features a record 34 candidates, the largest number ever for a Westminster by-election, which has presented logistical challenges for vote counting. A result is not expected until near sunrise on Friday.
Farage resigned as Clacton MP last month to trigger the by-election, which is estimated to have cost taxpayers £250,000. He stated the move was in protest against scrutiny over donations from wealthy backers and framed the contest as a "people versus the Establishment" showdown. However, other major political parties boycotted the race, dismissing it as a "stunt." This left perennial comedy candidate Count Binface as Farage's most notable rival, alongside Laurence Fox and contenders from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.
Farage arrived at a polling station in Clacton on Thursday morning, campaigning for over a month. He posted on social media, "Three guesses who I voted for!" The success of his campaign is likely to be measured against his 2024 general election result in Clacton, where he secured 46.2% of the vote. He is expected to surpass this performance given the absence of other main political parties.
The 90cm-long ballot paper has caused difficulties for Tendring District Council and returning officer Ian Davidson, requiring larger tables for the count and a venue change for the result announcement. Photographers and TV crews were advised to use wide-angle lenses to capture all candidates in a single shot.
Before resigning his seat, Farage was reportedly under investigation by a parliamentary watchdog concerning a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne. This investigation was paused upon his resignation but could resume if he wins the by-election. He may also face scrutiny over support provided by George Cottrell, a convicted criminal, who reportedly paid staff for Farage's social media and allowed him to use a property near Buckingham Palace.
Farage stated that the by-election offered the people of Clacton a chance to "stick two fingers up to the establishment" and to "have their say on the endless political attacks on me, my family and those around me." He emphasized that the contest was "not just about me, it's about the people versus the establishment."
The previous record for the most candidates in a single Westminster by-election seat was 26, set at the Haltemprice and Howden by-election in July 2008. That contest was also triggered by a prominent politician, David Davis, and largely ignored by the main Westminster parties.