Farage beats Count Binface to win UK by-election: Officials

In the UK constituency of Clacton, right-wing leader Nigel Farage has triumphed in a by-election, defeating satirical candidate Count Binface, according to official results. The hard-right politician did not attend the announcement of his victory, but had declared it earlier on Friday, surrounded by supporters.

Farage secured 22,239 votes, while Count Binface, the runner-up, received 9,455 votes. Farage had expected to win, as he is already an MP for this area and no mainstream parties were fielding candidates. Their opponents included numerous satirical figures, independent candidates, and members of fringe political parties. Most of these candidates received fewer than 100 votes.

The voter turnout in this election was 44%, slightly lower than the 59% turnout seen in the 2024 general election, but not unusual for a by-election. The results were declared shortly after 6 am (0500 GMT), with officials noting that the vote count would take longer than usual due to lengthy ballot papers.

Count Binface's motivations for challenging Farage remain unclear. Farage, leader of Reform UK, faces allegations of receiving gifts and may step down as an MP to contest the election.