Polling is due to close in the Clacton by-election, where Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is seeking to regain the seat he resigned amid scrutiny of his finances. Most major parties have boycotted the contest, making the satirical candidate Count Binface his most prominent opponent; the vote has drawn criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Voters can cast ballots until 10pm, with overnight counting and a result expected on Friday morning. Farage is bookmakers’ favourite, but if re-elected a paused parliamentary standards inquiry into a £5m gift from cryptocurrency businessman Christopher Harborne would resume; he also faces questions over support from ally George Cottrell. The contest comes as Reform has faced recent scandals and Labour has moved ahead of it in several polls.