Votes being counted in Clacton by-election triggered by Nigel Farage

Key Points:

• Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton and triggered a by-election amid a parliamentary investigation into a £5m gift he received from billionaire Christopher Harborne, which he did not declare citing timing before his election.
• The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner was investigating whether Farage breached rules requiring MPs to register financial interests received within 12 months before election, but the process was suspended following his resignation.
• Farage insists the gift was unconditional and for personal security, and he stepped down to let voters judge his actions, while major parties are boycotting the by-election, calling it a distraction pending the inquiry's conclusion.
• Clacton, a historically significant Brexit-supporting constituency, has seen six elections in 12 years and is expected to strongly support Farage again, with Reform UK campaigning heavily and aiming for a 70% vote share to affirm his position.
• Despite the expected Farage victory, concerns remain about whether the by-election will damage his political image, given the absence of major party challengers and the presence of minor and satirical candidates.