Nigel Farage set for decisive but arguably empty victory in Clacton

Leader of Reform UK on course to defeat Count Binface and an assortment of fringe candidates as polls close in Essex

Voting has closed in one of the UK’s more unusual and least tense byelections, with Nigel Farage set for a decisive if arguably empty victory against dozens of independent, fringe, extreme or otherwise oddball opponents.

The Reform UK leader sought re-election to his Clacton seat in early July in an attempt to regain the political initiative following weeks of scrutiny over gifts he received and other aspects of his financial affairs.