Arabic version: فاراج يفوز في الانتخابات الفرعية بكلاكتون بعد تغيّبه عن الفرز النهائي

According to ABC News, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election after declaring victory before the final count and choosing not to attend the official result announcement. Farage secured 22,239 votes, exceeding the 21,225 votes he received in the 2024 general election.

Farage, 62, had resigned as an MP in July and recontested his seat while under investigation over a £5 million gift that he did not declare before his 2024 election to the House of Commons. In a speech to supporters several hours before counting concluded, he said there was “no question” about the result and called it a “convincing, overwhelming win”.

He said he had been advised by Essex Police of an organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result, without providing evidence. The ABC understands Essex Police did not advise any candidate to stay away. A police spokesperson said there was a “proportionate and robust policing operation” for the count, while Tendring District Council chief executive and acting returning officer Ian Davidson said there was no issue with completing it.

Count Binface, the political satirist who wears a bin on his face, received 9,455 votes. The poll featured 33 other candidates, including 20 independents and several Monster Raving Loony Party candidates, a UK record. Turnout was 44.37 per cent. The parliamentary investigation into Farage’s finances, suspended when he called the by-election, will automatically resume when parliament returns after the summer break on September 1.