On one level, the Clacton by-election was a success for Nigel Farage. It was a kind of jolly break by the seaside, and he spent more time than usual in his constituency. The arrival of Count Binface and other exotic creatures lent this most unusual contest an end-of-the-pier quality. The fun and games gave Mr Farage what was for him a highly welcome respite from the parliamentary inquiry into the undeclared £5m gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire based in Thailand.
The Reform leader was rewarded with an easy win, an increased share of the vote and a marginally higher number of ballots than at the general election a little more than two years ago. He and his supporters also now have a “line to take” against anyone asking questions about his or his party’s finances – that the people of Clacton have given him a vote of confidence, and that, as far as Reform UK is concerned, is the end of the matter.
