Voters in Clacton go to the polls this week for a by-election triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation as MP, amid mounting questions over his personal finances, including an undeclared £5 million gift and separately funded security arrangements linked to a convicted fraudster. Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and Restore Britain have all declined to field candidates, leaving Farage to face a mix of independents and minor-party figures rather than his usual major-party rivals, drawing accusations from opponents that the contest is a stunt to distract from the ongoing investigations.

The by-election will take place on Thursday 13 August, with results expected in the early hours of Friday, after Tendring District Council pushed the date back a week from Farage's preferred 6 August. Notable challengers include satirical candidate Count Binface, created by comedian Jonathan David Harvey, who has previously stood against Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, and Laurence Fox of the Reclaim Party, known for his "anti-woke" platform. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper both criticised the vote as unnecessary, while Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called for it to be postponed until the standards investigation into Farage concludes.