Nigel Farage has stepped down as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election that is set to take place in the coming weeks.
The Reform UK leader stood down amid a series of financial allegations, but has confirmed that he will contest the seat on August 13.
However, a number of other leading parties have confirmed that they will not be standing a candidate in the race.
Mr Farage has faced a wave of criticism and mockery for his decision to quit Parliament, led by Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham.
Always worth knowing when bin day is. pic.twitter.com/tIuKFfb3Fk
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) July 8, 2026
And amid the political frenzy, bookies have seen a jump in bets for his potential rival for the seat - Count Binface.
The independent candidate, who has stood previously in many high-profile by-elections, could do surprisingly well in the absence of the main parties, in what would be another blow to the Reform leader.
Polling expert and Tory peer Lord Hayward told The Standard: “It could be a triple embarrassment.
“First the major parties not standing. Second and most crucially the turnout because Farage has to show that a large number of Clacton voters still support him.
“And third how well candidates like Count Binface actually do.”
But could Count Binface actually pull of a stunning victory and win the Clacton by-election?
Here are the latest betting odds.
Clacton by-election odds
Count Binface, whose real name is Jon Harvey, has seen his odds of winning the by-election slashed by bookmakers in recent days.
However, the odds very much suggest that Mr Farage will still regain his seat.
As of Friday evening, Oddschecker gives the Reform leader odds of around 1/8 to win the by-election.
Count Binface is in clear second, with odds of around 5/1.
Despite not being expected to field a candidate for the seat, Labour have odds of 16/1.
Next come the Monster Raving Loony Party at 100/1, and the Liberal Democrats at 200/1, with Reclaim’s Laurence Fox at 250/1.
A number of independent prospects have odds of 500/1 or longer, including Piers Corbyn and Rob Pownall, a wildlife campaigner who dresses as a fox and is standing to “protect British wildlife”.
