Reform UK leader does not appear for the result, despite beating nearest challenger, Count Binface, in byelection he caused amid deepening scandal over £5m gift

The Reform UK leader triggered the contest after deciding to stand down amidst massive scrutiny over his financial affairs

Nigel Farage’s victory in the Clacton by-election is a hollow one. The major parties boycotted the contest: of the Reform leader’s 33 opponents, the most prominent was a…