'No threat to Clacton count' despite Farage refusing to attend by-election declaration

He claimed at a Reform-organised pop-up event that he had been advised by Essex Police that there would be an attempt to disrupt the declaration, expected in the morning.

But despite Reform's press office claiming there was a "credible threat" to Mr Farage, it is understood that Essex Police has not advised any candidate to stay away from the count.

The force said it had "a proportionate and robust policing operation to ensure the safety and security of all participants" at Clacton.

Tendring District Council's returning officer Ian Davidson has also contradicted the claims.

Speaking amid confusion over Mr Farage's claims, Mr Davidson told reporters: "I don't believe that there's any threat serious enough to be able to call off the count.

"I'm not going to talk about individual security issues which we've had over the course of the election, the last two to three weeks. However, I do believe that our count will be completed safely and securely for all candidates."

Mr Davidson also said that "you'd have to ask [Mr Farage]" about his specific references to threats.

Polling stations in the Essex resort shut at 10pm, having been open since 7am, with Mr Farage waiting to see if a political gamble has paid off.

Mr Farage said: “I’m sad to say that after 33 years of being a candidate in active politics, I’ve been advised tonight by Essex Police that there is an organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result that will take place in a few hours’ time.

“Once again, it shows you the sheer intolerance, the sheer loss of fundamental democratic principles that those that went before us, fought in world wars to fight for and preserve.”

Mr Farage has also cancelled a 10am press conference planned for this morning - with no reason given for the short-notice change.

Mr Farage added: “I’m not scared of these people, far from it. But I’m damned if I’m going to stand on a stage, having won a resounding victory, a ringing endorsement of all that I’ve tried to fight for, and you’ve tried to fight for, and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies, and I will not sadly be attending the count.”

Despite Farage's protestations, the Returning Officer for the election, Ian Davidson, said: "We work very closely with Essex Police. We'll be continuing the count a in safe and secure manner.

"I will not comment on security matters. We've been working closely with Essex Police. We just had a further meeting, and there's no issue with continuing the count tonight."

Farage quit the Commons earlier this year in protest at media and parliamentary scrutiny over his and his party's financial affairs.

Despite his resignation stalling a probe into donations he and his party received, if he wins today's election, it is likely the investigation will resume.

Speaking at an event in Essex, Mr Farage told GB News the result was an “overwhelming” endorsement of him, as he seeks to return to the Commons after resigning to call the by-election amid controversy over donations he has received.

Mr Farage said he was proven “right” to call the by-election after he claimed “attacks” and “threats” towards his family had reduced.

He was asked whether he had won, and replied: “Yeah, very convincingly, I’ve managed to beat the establishment candidate.”

He added: “Look, this is an overwhelming endorsement of me. I have had enough of being judged by mainstream media, being called a criminal.

“Do you know, if I made one sin, if I haven’t filled in a piece of paper, I’ve broken no law, I’ve broken no tax law, I’ve taken no public money, I don’t even own a motorhome.

“Maybe I haven’t filled in a piece of paper. I’m confident that I’m right, we’ll see where we go. I put this to the people of Clacton, said ‘you decide my future’, and tonight they will.”

The result is likely to be announced on Friday morning - and reports are that the turnout is around 43%.

The main Westminster parties are boycotting the by-election, dismissing it as a stunt by the Reform UK leader, but a record 34 candidates are standing.

Mr Farage wanted it to be a “people versus the establishment” showdown but, rather than Labour and Tory rivals, he is facing opponents including satirical candidate Count Binface, actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox, three from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party and an array of independents.

The contest is estimated to have cost taxpayers about £250,000.

In 2024, Mr Farage polled 21,225 votes, finishing 8,405 votes ahead of the Conservative Party candidate, who came second.

A Reform UK source said: “If Nigel Farage wins by more votes tonight than he did in 2024 then his decision to call this by-election against the establishment will be vindicated.”

Photographers and TV cameras covering the count have been advised by officials they will need a wide-angle lens to fit all the candidates into a single shot.

Before quitting Westminster, Mr Farage was being investigated by the parliamentary standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne, which he received before taking his seat in the Commons.

Under Commons rules, new MPs are required to register any gifts worth more than £300 they received in the previous 12 months, except where the gift “could not be reasonably thought by others” to relate to their political activities.

That investigation was paused when Mr Farage resigned his seat but will resume if he wins the by-election – as bookmakers have made him the firm favourite to do.

Mr Farage could also face an investigation over support provided by George Cottrell, a long-term ally.

Mr Cottrell reportedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Mr Farage’s social media before the general election, and has continued to allow him to use a five-storey, Georgian property he rented near Buckingham Palace.

The main Westminster parties refused to take part in this contest but could stand if the outcome of the standards investigation into Mr Farage results in another by-election.

If he is found to have broken the rules and a suspension of more than 10 days is imposed, it could trigger a recall petition and the prospect of Mr Farage losing his seat, forcing a second contest.

Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson said: “Nigel Farage spent 38 days fighting a bin in his most desperate attempt yet to deflect attention from the sleaze and scandals engulfing him and his party.

“Farage may succeed in his run-off against a bin, but he can’t run from the truth forever. The list of unanswered questions about the £5 million gift he hid from the public, his support from a convicted fraudster and the mountain of other scandals he and Reform are facing isn’t going away. In fact, it’s getting longer by the day.

“It’s time to stop the excuses and desperate distractions and finally come clean with the public. If Farage has nothing to hide, he surely would have done so by now.”

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “Nigel Farage called this fake by-election in a desperate attempt to draw a line under the questions surrounding his fishy £5 million donation. Whatever the outcome on Friday, this stunt has not done that.”