Nigel Farage faces record 34-candidate Clacton by-election with satirical rival Count Binface

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned his Clacton seat, triggering a parliamentary by‑election on 13 August. The contest set a UK record with 34 candidates, most of them independents, after all major parties – Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Restore Britain – chose to boycott the race.

Polls show Farage leading with roughly 70‑75 % of the vote, while the satirical candidate Count Binface, a comedian in a bin‑shaped helmet, is projected to capture about 20 % and is the most prominent challenger. A separate Ipsos survey found one in five voters would prefer Count Binface over Farage.

The by‑election follows scrutiny of Farage’s finances, including a £5 million donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and gifts from convicted criminal George Cottrell. Campaign activity has drawn further controversy: a report alleged Afghan migrants were paid by Labour/Green donor Dale Vince to distribute anti‑Farage leaflets, raising questions about unregistered campaign spending. Social‑media commentary has highlighted Reform UK supporters such as Laila Cunningham, while analysts note the long tradition of “joke” candidates in British politics.