The polls have now closed in Clacton, after thousands turned up to vote in one of the most unusual by-elections in recent times.

The vote was triggered by Nigel Farage, when the Reform UK leader sensationally quit as an MP last month in protest at media and parliamentary scrutiny of donations from his backers.

Mr Farage was being investigated by the parliamentary standards commissioner regarding a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne.

Mr Farage wanted the by-election to be a “people versus the establishment” showdown - however, all the main political parties have boycotted the vote.

Green leader Zack Polanski said his party would not participate in a “circus”, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of having a “hissy fit”.

Despite their absence, a record 34 candidates are standing.

Mr Farage’s opponents include Count Binface, actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox, the Monster Raving Loony Party and a number of independent candidates.

In the 2024 general election, Mr Farage won Clacton with 46.2% of the vote and a majority of 8,405 over his Conservative rival Giles Watling.

The contest, which is estimated to have cost taxpayers around £250,000, has also caused a number of logistical problems for Tendring District Council and returning officer Ian Davidson.

The 90cm-long ballot paper, required to fit all of the candidates on, means that larger tables than usual will be required at the count.

The result will be announced on the floor of Clacton Leisure Centre rather than on a stage due to the number of candidates, and photographers and TV cameras covering the count have been advised they will need a wide-angle lens to fit all the candidates into a single shot.

The results of the Clacton by-election are expected to be announced between 5am and 7am on Friday morning.