Clacton by-election closes as Farage seeks return in record-long ballot
Polls closed at 22:00 BST in Clacton as counting begins in a record-breaking by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation; 51 polling stations served 79,785 eligible voters with 10,716 postal votes, and 34 candidates appear on the longest ballot in British history. Farage, Reform UK leader, aims to regain the seat he won in 2024, while major parties like the Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems did not stand. Results are expected between 05:00 and 07:00 BST, with the winner to be sworn in when Parliament returns in September.