Nigel Farage cast his vote on Thursday in the Clacton by-election, where he is seeking to be re-elected to the seat he won in the 2024 general election. The Reform UK leader headed to a polling station in the Essex seaside constituency.
"Three guesses who I voted for!" Mr. Farage posted on social media after submitting his ballot. The 62-year-old resigned as Clacton MP last month to trigger the by-election, citing scrutiny over a substantial donation from a cryptocurrency tycoon. He characterized the election as a "people versus the Establishment" showdown, although the main political parties boycotted the contest, labeling it a "stunt."
This boycott has positioned the perennial comedy candidate Count Binface as Mr. Farage's most prominent rival. They are among a record 34 candidates vying for the seat, an election estimated to have cost taxpayers £250,000. The unusually large field also includes actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox and several independents.
The 90cm-long ballot paper has presented logistical challenges for Tendring District Council. Larger tables will be required for the count, and the result will be announced on the floor of Clacton Leisure Centre rather than on a stage to accommodate the numerous candidates.
Prior to his resignation, Mr. Farage was under investigation by a parliamentary watchdog concerning a £5 million gift received before he won his Clacton seat in 2024. According to House of Commons rules, new MPs must register gifts valued over £300 received in the preceding 12 months, unless the gift could not reasonably be considered related to their political activities. This investigation was paused upon his resignation but would resume if he wins the by-election. Bookmakers currently favor Mr. Farage to win.
Further scrutiny could arise from support provided by George Cottrell, an ally with a criminal conviction. Mr. Cottrell reportedly paid for three staff to work on Mr. Farage's social media prior to the general election and has allowed him to use a property near Buckingham Palace. Mr. Farage stated the by-election offers an opportunity to "stick two fingers up to the establishment" and to make an affirmative case for his actions and Reform UK's platform.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 10 p.m. The 34 candidates surpass the previous record of 26, set in the 2008 Haltemprice and Howden by-election. In the 2024 general election, Mr. Farage secured the Clacton seat with 46.2% of the vote, achieving a majority of 8,405 over his Conservative opponent.