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election polls close as Farage bids to become MP again
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Polling has closed in the Clacton by-election, with vote counting underway after a record-breaking contest featuring 34 candidates and the longest ballot paper in British history.
- The by-election was triggered by Reform UK MP Nigel Farage's resignation amid controversy over undeclared financial support and gifts, including a £5 million donation for personal security.
- Major parties such as the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Restore Britain chose not to field candidates, making the contest unique in recent UK elections.
- The result is expected between 05:00 and 07:00 BST at Clacton Leisure Centre, where candidates will stand on the floor due to space constraints, and the winner will take their seat in Parliament after the summer recess.
- An investigation by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner into Farage's conduct will resume if he is re-elected in this by-election.
