Beats the Trash Can: Britain's Deep-Right Leader Re-Elected to Parliament

Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's Reform Party, won the special election in Clacton with 22,239 votes (63%) against Count Binface (27%). Farage resigned in July amid an investigation into an unreported gift of £5 million. A parliamentary inquiry is expected to resume and could lead to further elections.

Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's anti-immigration Reform Party, won today (Friday) in the special election in the Clacton area and regained the parliamentary seat he vacated a month ago. Farage received 22,239 votes (63%), while his comedic rival, Count Binface, won 9,455 votes (27%) – his best result in eight attempts. Turnout was 44%, in elections held on the hottest day of the year so far. Farage resigned in July amid an investigation into whether he failed to report a gift of £5 million ($6.7 million) from a crypto billionaire abroad. He said he ran to prove he has voter support. Binface, a serial candidate, became the default contender among 34 candidates after the major parties boycotted the campaign. Farage claimed police warned him of an 'organized campaign to disrupt', but police disputed this. An inquiry by a parliamentary watchdog, suspended upon his resignation, is expected to resume and could lead to his suspension and further elections.