Nigel Farage has been re-elected as MP for Clacton in a by-election, prompting the resumption of a parliamentary standards investigation into an alleged failure to register a £5m gift from a crypto-billionaire. The inquiry had been paused when Farage resigned, but could now lead to another by-election if he is suspended from Parliament for more than 10 days. Farage denies wrongdoing, saying the money was a personal gift unrelated to his political role.

Farage won more than 22,000 votes in an election boycotted by the main parties, while satirical candidate Count Binface received almost 10,000 votes, or over 20 per cent. The contest reportedly cost about £250,000 and Farage did not attend the count, citing a claimed credible threat that Essex Police is understood to have disputed. Polling experts said Farage would probably win another contest, though tactical voting or a strong Conservative candidate could reduce his majority.