Clacton by-election counting begins as Farage seeks comeback in 34-candidate ballot
Counting has begun at Clacton Leisure Centre after polls closed in a by-election triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation amid scrutiny of a £5m gift; the 3ft-long ballot paper lists 34 candidates—the largest in British parliamentary history—slowing the count. Provisional turnout is around 43%. Westminster parties have boycotted the poll; the result is expected early in the morning, with Farage widely anticipated to win.