Farage wins Clacton by-election but avoids result declaration

Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election and returned as the constituency's MP but skipped the result declaration, saying he did not want to be "humiliated by nobodies".

The Reform UK leader won with 63% of the vote on a turnout of 44% in a highly unusual by-election that he triggered in response to scrutiny of his financial backing.

It was contested by a record 34 candidates, including novelty opponent Count Binface, who came second with 27% of the vote, but was boycotted by all of the main Westminster parties, who dismissed the poll as a stunt.

Farage did not show up at the count, telling supporters Essex Police had warned him of an "organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result".

A Reform UK spokesperson said: "Essex Police advised Nigel not to attend the count tonight due to a credible threat against him."

The BBC has been told Essex Police did not advise any candidate that they should not attend the count.

"We have a proportionate and robust policing operation to ensure the safety and security of all participants in the count," an Essex Police spokesperson said.

Speaking at a rally overnight before the result was declared, Farage said he had pulled off a "convincing, overwhelming win" in the by-election.