Polls have long-closed in the Clacton by-election, which was triggered by Nigel Farage in July.

And it was an unusual night as far as by-elections go.

There were a record-breaking 34 candidates on the ballot on Thursday, despite all England’s major political parties – Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party – refusing to stand.

The contest is estimated to have cost taxpayers around £250,000 and the 90cm-long ballot paper has also caused logistical problems for Tendring District Council and returning officer Ian Davidson.

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