Nigel Farage wins Clacton by-election amid scrutiny

Key facts

• Nigel Farage won the Clacton by-election with 22,239 votes.
• The by-election was triggered by Farage himself.
• Count Binface was the second-place candidate with 9,455 votes.
• Mainstream political parties did not field candidates.
• Farage faces ongoing investigations into his finances, including a £5m gift.
• The cost of the by-election to taxpayers is estimated at £250,000.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has won the Clacton by-election with 22,239 votes. The contest, which he triggered, saw major parties decline to field candidates, with Count Binface securing second place. Farage did not attend the result announcement, citing security concerns, but told supporters he had achieved an "overwhelming win" and beaten "the establishment candidate."

The by-election is estimated to have cost taxpayers £250,000, a sum Reform UK has offered to cover, though electoral law prohibits this. Farage's victory comes amid ongoing scrutiny of his finances, including a £5 million gift from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne in 2024. Investigations by Parliament and the police into Reform UK donations and the registration of this gift are continuing.

Allies suggest Farage is emboldened by the win and his party's growth, while rivals have criticized the election as a waste of money. The turnout was 44%, higher than expected given the lack of major party candidates.