Nigel Farage set for decisive but arguably empty victory in Clacton

Leader of Reform UK on course to defeat Count Binface and an assortment of fringe candidates as polls close in Essex Voting has closed in one of the UK’s more unusual and least tense byelections, with Nigel Farage set for a decisive if arguably empty victory against dozens of independent, fringe, extreme or otherwise oddball opponents. The Reform UK leader sought re-election to his Clacton seat in early July in an attempt to regain the political initiative following weeks of scrutiny over gifts he received and other aspects of his financial affairs. He framed the byelection as a chance for local voters to show their disdain for mainstream politics in a “people versus the establishment” contest, but was caught out after all the other main parties declined to stand candidates. Farage, 62, was instead left competing against a vast if decidedly niche field of 33 other hopefuls, including 20 independents, several representatives from tiny parties and no fewer than three candidates from the Official Monster Raving Loony party.

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