Farage stays away as Clacton count continues

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. Follow The i Paper’s live blog for all the latest. Farage claims “overwhelming” victory, but refuses to attend the count Sort: Newest first Oldest first