Nigel Farage's gamble to trigger a special election for his parliamentary seat could leave Britain's Reform UK leader facing a single challenger: Count Binface, the satirical candidate known for wearing a trash can on his head.
Farage, 62, under investigation in parliament over millions of pounds of gifts from wealthy backers, has said he wants voters in his Clacton electoral district, in southeast England, to judge his actions, not what he characterises as a liberal "establishment" bent on discrediting him.
Many voters in the beach town, which is famous for its Victorian pleasure pier, said that, while they were confused about the reason for a new election, they still supported Farage, whatever gifts he had received.
"Why are they going on about it?" said retiree Rosina Herriott, 78, adding that all politicians receive gifts. "It's because of him. They're scared of him, that's what it is."
Voters defend Farage
