Nigel Farage triggered a by-election in Clacton after resigning his seat in protest at media and parliamentary scrutiny over undeclared gifts and donations, including benefits linked to adviser George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster. Two years after winning the constituency in a landslide, the Reform UK leader's approval has fallen to its lowest level since the 2024 general election, and voters in the seaside town say he has failed to deliver noticeable change, with some pollsters suggesting satirical rival Count Binface could take up to 20 per cent of the vote.

Residents interviewed by The Independent expressed frustration and apathy: 81-year-old Phil Roberts, who backed the previous Conservative MP, called the by-election "unnecessary" and likened it to a child "throwing its dummy into the street"; 66-year-old Lesley Noakes said "nothing has changed" despite Farage's promises; and 37-year-old Amy Smith said she had seen little of Farage himself despite a heavy Reform campaign presence. Several voters criticised the major parties for not fielding candidates and said the area still lacks investment and facilities, even as they praised Clacton's community spirit.