Votes are counted in Clacton by-election featuring 34 candidates
Polling closed at 22:00 BST in the Clacton by-election, where 34 candidates are contesting the seat vacated by Nigel Farage, and counting has begun at the local leisure centre.
Polling stations in the Clacton constituency closed at 22:00 BST, and vote counting has started at the Clacton Leisure Centre. The by-election was triggered after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned his seat in July following a dispute over undisclosed financial support.
A total of 34 candidates are on the ballot, creating a paper that stretches nearly a metre. Ballot boxes from 51 polling stations arrived shortly after the polls closed, with the final boxes expected by 23:30. About 79,785 voters were registered, and 10,716 of them cast postal votes.
Farage, who won the seat with an 8,405-vote majority in the 2024 general election, has faced scrutiny over a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency investor and alleged undeclared benefits. He has denied any wrongdoing, stating the money was for personal security, and described the contest as a “people versus the establishment” fight. An investigation by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, launched before his resignation, will resume if he is re-elected.
The major parties – Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Restore Britain – have not nominated candidates, leaving the field open to independents and smaller parties. Tendring District Council said the venue could not accommodate a stage for all candidates, so they will line up on the sports hall floor in alphabetical order as results are announced. The winner is expected to be declared between 05:00 and 07:00 and will be sworn in at the House of Commons after Parliament reconvenes in September.