Polls open in crunch Clacton contest between Reform's Nigel Farage and Count Binface
Polls open in crunch Clacton contest between Reform's Nigel Farage and Count Binface Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 14:39 The Reform leader was elected MP for Clacton in 2024 but resigned last month to trigger the by-election, but a satirical candidate offers his biggest challenge The two main candidates in Thursday's by-election are Nigel Farage and Count Binface (AFP) Off Voters…
Polls opened in a crucial Clacton by-election on Thursday, pitting Reform leader Nigel Farage against satirical candidate Count Binface. The two main contenders are set to contest the seaside town's MP seat following Farage's unexpected resignation. Farage, who was elected as Clacton's MP in 2024, stepped down to initiate the by-election, prompted by a controversy surrounding undisclosed financial gifts.
The Reform UK party, which Farage leads, had been dominating national polls until recent political shifts. Despite the boycott by all major parties, Count Binface, dressed as a bin, poses a significant challenge. His campaign includes promises like building affordable homes, nationalizing Adele, and tax reforms. Thirty-four candidates are participating, including members from the Monster Raving Loony Party, independents, and far-right activist Laurence Fox.
Farage is projected to secure a landslide victory, but the by-election could tarnish his image if Binface garners more than 5% of the vote.
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