FARAGE WILL NOT ATTEND CLACTON BY-ELECTION COUNT

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said he will not be present at the Clacton by-election count after polls close, citing claims that Essex Police informed him of an "organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result". Farage made the announcement at an event several miles from the count venue in Essex. He told supporters: "I am damned if I am going to stand on a stage, having won a resounding victory.... and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies." The Independent contacted Essex Police for details of his claims. Counting began after voting closed, with the result expected in the early hours of Friday.

The by-election was triggered after Farage resigned from the seat he won at the 2024 general election amid scrutiny over his finances. A record number of candidates stood in the contest. The major political parties boycotted the by-election, leaving Count Binface, a satirical character who has pledged to abolish VAR in football and "nationalise Adele", as Farage's main rival. Farage voted at a polling station in the Essex seaside constituency during the day.

The returning officer issued a statement shortly after Farage's announcement, saying the count would continue. The returning officer stated they were working "very closely" with Essex Police and declined to comment on security matters. The statement confirmed the count would proceed as planned despite Farage's decision not to attend the declaration.