The UK’s by-election will see 34 people nominated to return as Farage wants to return | Story

Count Binface, the man with the bin on his head, is currently the top contender for the leader of Reform UK.

Nigel Farage faces 33 opponents as he bids to regain his parliamentary seat in the election that led to his resignation earlier this month.

Tendring District Council, which is running the polls in Clacton, said the turnout of 34 was believed to be the largest in a UK general election. Many races in many areas have only a small number of people.

Farage, the leader of the far-right Reform UK party, has resigned as Member of Parliament (MP) for Clacton after weeks of controversy over gifts and donations he did not initially declare under parliamentary rules.

The scrutiny intensified after it was revealed in June that Farage had received a gift of five million pounds ($6.7m) from a billionaire cryptocurrency investor. Questions then arose about other gifts and donations he received, including allegations that one donor was at fault.

Farage has denied any wrongdoing and has said he is waiting for voters to decide whether to continue to represent them in parliament.

Britain’s main political parties are not contesting the election, describing it as a “social media platform”. This has left the competition largely to smaller parties, independent candidates and disdainful campaigners.

One of the most notable opponents is comedian Jon Harvey, who posed as Count Binface, a strange man who campaigns with a metal bin on his head. He previously ran against former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Uxbridge and twice contested the London mayoral elections.

He is also represented by Alan “Howling Laud” Hope, leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, an established political party that has been involved in British elections for decades.

Actor-turned-right-wing politician Lawrence Fox, who previously served as mayor of London, is also in the running.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London on Friday, Farage said the election would allow voters to decide whether to return him to parliament.

“The people of Clacton can decide whether they support me or accept the establishment.

He said: “I have been exercising because I like to gamble. “I think they will come to my side. I hope and pray that they do. Yes, let the people decide. Let the people be my judge, not the elite of Westminster.”

Online prediction market Polymarket gives Farage an almost 95 percent chance of winning the election, Count Binface a minute away.

The election will be held on August 13.