Nigel Farage says he won't attend count in bizarre Clacton by-election

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has declared he will not attend the final count of the Clacton by-election, claiming he will be humiliated. The far-right political leader, who resigned and recontested the seat amid scrutiny of a £5 million donation, faced scrutiny over his financial arrangements. Farage told supporters there would be "no question" about the result in the by-election, which was conducted amid controversy.

While Farage's claim of an "overwhelming win" remains unproven, he was urged by Essex Police to avoid the count due to an alleged organized campaign to disrupt the result. The Reform UK spokesperson later stated that Farage was worried about more than just humiliation, indicating a credible threat. In his re-election campaign, Farage framed the poll as a contest between the people and the establishment, competing against an assortment of candidates, including 20 independents.

One of these candidates, Count Binface, a political satirist, emerged as a notable rival. Despite the bizarre nature of the by-election, Clacton residents expressed their reluctance to participate in the event.