Nigel Farage wins Clacton by-election with 63% of vote
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Former Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reclaimed his parliamentary seat in a by-election, defeating novelty candidate Count Binface, while an ongoing investigation into an undeclared donation remains pending.
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, secured 63% of the vote in a Clacton by-election held on Thursday, defeating Count Binface, a satirical candidate who received about 27%. The contest, which featured 34 candidates after major parties boycotted the race, saw a turnout of 44%.
Farage said the result demonstrated voter opposition to the political establishment, adding that he would not attend the official declaration ceremony because of security concerns. A Reform UK spokesperson claimed there was a credible threat against him, a statement police later disputed.
The by-election was triggered after Farage resigned his seat in July amid a parliamentary standards investigation into a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire. The watchdog’s probe, which was paused during his resignation, is expected to resume and could lead to further action.
Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson criticised the vote as a distraction, urging Farage to clarify his finances and his ties to a convicted fraudster. The standards commissioner has been examining whether the donation should have been declared, as gifts over £300 linked to political activity must be reported.
Count Binface, a recurring novelty candidate, used the campaign to highlight the openness of Britain’s electoral system. He announced that his vote share qualified him for a refund of the £500 deposit required of candidates.