Nigel Farage secured a confortable victory in the UK parliamentary by-election. However, the biggest challenge emerged was a self-proclaimed intergalactic space warrior dressed as a trash can, in a contest that was boycotted by all major Westminster parties.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
Farage, leader of Reform UK, secured 22,239 votes, or 63.3 per cent, to retain his Clacton seat. His closest challenger was Count Binface, the satirical persona of comedian Jonathan Harvey, who received 9,455 votes, or 26.9 per cent.
Why was the by-election held?
Farage became Clacton's MP at the 2024 general election but resigned from Parliament in July amid scrutiny over his financial affairs. The resignation triggered a by-election, which Farage then contested to win back his seat.
Farage had said he wanted the people of Clacton to judge him over the allegations, framing the election as a contest between voters and the political establishment.
Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Restore Britain all declined to field candidates, calling the election a political stunt or gimmick.
The absence of the major parties left Farage facing 33 other candidates, many of them independents or novelty candidates. Only Farage and Count Binface retained their £500 deposits after the vote.
