Our readers aren’t buying Reform’s explanation for Nigel Farage’s no-show at the count – and with the donations investigation reopened within hours of his win, many say the real story is only just beginning

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…