Nicola Jennings on Nigel Farage, Count Binface and the Clacton byelection – cartoon

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, claimed victory in the Clacton by-election, stating he secured more votes than in the 2024 general election. He declined to attend the official count, citing advice from Essex Police regarding a plot to embarrass him on stage. While Reform UK mentioned a credible threat to the party, the Press Association reported that Essex Police did not actually advise Mr Farage against attending the event in the coastal Essex town.