A nationwide poll found that Count Binface would narrowly beat Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in a hypothetical head-to-head contest for Clacton, though the actual by-election is expected to be very different. The result highlights Mr Farage’s weaker standing among the wider British public and the unusual nature of a contest in which major parties have declined to stand.

More in Common put Count Binface on 37 per cent and Mr Farage on 32 per cent, with 32 per cent undecided; support for the satirical candidate was strongest among Green, Liberal Democrat and Labour voters. The by-election was triggered after Mr Farage resigned amid scrutiny of donations and gifts, and Tendring District Council has confirmed a record 34 candidates. A separate Clacton-only Survation poll projected Mr Farage would win 73 per cent, compared with 20 per cent for Count Binface.