Polling stations closed Thursday in a by-election in Clacton, England, where Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is seeking to become an MP again, facing challengers including comedian Count Binface. The contest comes as Reform UK faces financial scandals and questions about its electoral viability against the governing Labour Party.
A YouGov poll shows 33% of British adults would prefer Count Binface to win the Clacton by-election compared to 21% for Nigel Farage, following the Reform UK leader's resignation as MP which triggered the contest. Multiple novelty candidates including a person in a fox costume have announced they will stand.
The Makerfield constituency in northwest England holds a crucial by-election on Thursday, with Andy Burnham standing for Labour against a strong Reform UK challenge. Tactical voting by Green and Liberal Democrat supporters could prove decisive in determining the outcome.
