Polls have long-closed in the Clacton by-election, which was triggered by Nigel Farage in July.
And it was an unusual night as far as by-elections go.
There were a record-breaking 34 candidates on the ballot on Thursday, despite all England’s major political parties – Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party – refusing to stand.
The contest is estimated to have cost taxpayers around £250,000 and the 90cm-long ballot paper has also caused logistical problems for Tendring District Council and returning officer Ian Davidson.
Follow The i Paper’s live blog for all the latest.
Farage claims “overwhelming” victory, but refuses to attend the count
Nigel Farage has claimed he has won the Clacton by-election, but refused to attend to the count citing an “organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result”.
The Reform UK leader, speaking at a campaign event in the constituency, claimed Essex Police had advised him the disruption would take place around the time a declaration of the result was due to occur.
A party spokesperson later said there had been a “credible threat” made against the Reform leader.
In a statement, the returning officer, Ian Davidson, said there was “no issue in continuing the count”.
He later told he was “not aware” of what Farage was referring to or the nature of the threat Reform claimed to have been informed about.
When contacted by The i Paper, a spokesperson for Essex Police referred to Davidson’s initial statement.
“We have a proportionate and robust policing operation to ensure the safety and security of all participants in the count,” they added.
Speaking at his campaign event, Farage said he had secured a “convincing, overwhelming win” as he declared voters had “stuck up two fingers to the entire political establishment”.
Good morning – and welcome back
Welcome back to The i Paper’s politics blog on Friday, 14 August.
Polls have long-closed in the Clacton by-election, which was triggered by Nigel Farage in July.
And it was an unusual night as far as by-elections go.
There were a record-breaking 34 candidates on the ballot on Thursday, despite all England’s major political parties – Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party – refusing to stand.
The contest is estimated to have cost taxpayers around £250,000 and the 90cm-long ballot paper has also caused logistical problems for Tendring District Council and returning officer Ian Davidson.
The size of the ballot paper meant larger tables than usual were required at the count, with the result set to be announced on the floor of Clacton Leisure Centre rather than on a stage due to the number of candidates who would have to fit on it.
We’ll have all the updates throughout the day.