Nigel Farage, leader of Reform U.K., won the Clacton by-election with 63 percent of the vote, defeating his main rival Count Binface who secured 27 percent in a record-breaking contest featuring 34 candidates.

Farage did not attend the vote count, citing a "credible threat" against him, though Essex Police disputed this claim, stating they had robust security measures in place and did not advise any candidates to avoid the event.

The Reform UK leader won 22,232 votes with a majority of 12,784 over Count Binface, who received 9,455 votes. Turnout was 44.37 percent, notably higher than previous by-elections in similar constituencies.

Political analysts noted that despite Farage's absence, the strong turnout and vote share suggest voters did not view the election as a farce. Sir John Curtice compared the results favorably to David Davis's 2008 by-election victory, where Davis secured 72 percent.