Farage wins Clacton by-election amid ongoing investigation

Nigel Farage is returning to Westminster as the MP for Clacton-on-Sea after winning a by-election he triggered by resigning in July. The Reform UK leader secured 22,239 votes, beating second-placed Count Binface by a significant margin. This result surpassed his vote count from the 2024 general election, although the turnout was lower at 44% compared to 58%.

“

What's the big deal?

Despite the victory, a parliamentary investigation into Farage, prompted by a dispute over his financial support, will continue. Farage himself did not attend the result declaration, with his party citing police advice, though the BBC understands this was not the case.

“

I wasn't disappointed he wasn't at the count. He was at his event, which is fine. He was still in the constituency, so what's the big deal?

Residents in Clacton expressed mixed views on the outcome. Zak Apsey called the result "good for Nigel" but felt the by-election was unnecessary. He dismissed the ongoing investigation as "not a big deal." Jenny Hopkins, visiting from Gloucestershire, was "delighted, absolutely thrilled" and called the fuss over donations "ridiculous," asserting that the result proves Clacton residents want Farage.

“

The fuss they've made about this so-called donation, gift or whatever it is - I think it is ridiculous. They just want rid of Nigel Farage. This has proved the people of Clacton want Nigel Farage. However many by-elections they have, I think he'll win.

However, Linda Robinson questioned Farage's presence and impact in the constituency, stating, "He's never here, is he? He's never in Clacton." She felt he had not achieved significant things for the town. Max Barrett, who voted for Count Binface, saw the by-election as positive for Clacton, suggesting Binface might have boosted tourism.

“

He's never here, is he? He's never in Clacton.