Voters in Clacton-on-Sea are voting today in a by-election triggered by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who resigned his parliamentary seat last month to seek a new mandate.

Farage is facing more than 30 candidates after the main political parties decided not to contest the election. Among them is Count Binface, the satirical character created by comedian Jonathan Harvey, who wears a costume resembling a silver rubbish bin and has previously stood against senior British politicians.

Farage has said he wants voters to judge him over allegations that he failed to properly declare a £5 million donation from a wealthy backer. Parliament’s standards commissioner is investigating whether the donation should have been declared. Farage says it was a personal gift and has denied any wrongdoing.

If he is found to have breached parliamentary rules, sanctions could potentially trigger another election in Clacton. Farage won 46% of the vote there in the 2024 general election.

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