Nigel Farage has won the Clacton byelection, securing 22,239 votes (63.34%) and defeating his nearest challenger, Count Binface, in a contest boycotted by all other major political parties. The Reform UK leader triggered the byelection in July to address a scandal over a £5m gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne.
Record-breaking ballot and low turnout
The byelection featured a record-breaking 34 candidates, including Count Binface, a parody candidate dressed as an intergalactic rubbish bin, who won 9,455 votes (26.93%). Turnout was 44%, lower than the general election, but Farage increased his vote by just over 1,000 ballots. The result was less seismic than some polls predicted; a Survation poll on Monday had put Farage on 75% and Binface on 20%.
The count was grueling, with tellers handling a 90cm-long ballot paper, the longest in British political history, tallying tens of thousands of votes past sunrise. Farage declared himself the winner while votes were still being counted but did not appear at the count for a victory lap.
Farage's absence and security claims
Farage claimed Essex police advised him of a plot to embarrass him at the result declaration, but The Guardian understands the force did not advise him not to attend. Lee Anderson, Reform MP for Ashfield, said he had not spoken with Farage about the claim, telling BBC Breakfast: “Sometimes some of these police forces that we’ve been dealing with recently are about as honest as you lot at the BBC.”
At the count, security was heavy, with bag checks and metal detectors. Ian Davidson, chief executive of Tendring District Council, said he would not comment on security matters but noted a “robust policing operation” was in place. Count Binface told reporters: “I asked Essex police if there was any credible threat of disruption here and I can tell you they said unequivocally no, it was safe to go ahead.”
Reform's financial scrutiny continues
The victory does little to stem questions about Farage's and Reform's finances. A formal investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog into the £5m gift is due to restart as soon as Friday. Questions have also been raised about Farage's links to convicted fraudster George Cottrell, and the Metropolitan police have opened an investigation into donations to the party.
Farage snubbed the count at Clacton Leisure Centre for Farage Fest, a carnival-like event at an airbase. The Guardian attempted to join but was turned away at the entrance, with security guards saying it was a ticketed event. At the count, the remaining 33 candidates lined up for the results, with Count Binface's 9,000-plus votes greeted with moderate cheers.
Count Binface, created by comedian Jon Harvey, referenced a possible re-run if the parliamentary standards commission finds against Farage, saying: “Let’s all meet for part 2 of the Clacton byelection, coming soon to a leisure centre near you.” Bridget Phillipson, minister for women and equalities, told Sky News there was “no hiding place now” for Farage and he must “answer to the public”. Farage was elected as MP for Clacton in 2024 with a majority of 8,400, taking 46.2% of the vote, with the Conservatives second and Labour third.
