British political fringe figure and performer who contests elections as an independent space-warrior
Nigel Farage has resigned as Clacton MP and has stood again in a by‑election set for 13 August after revelations about undeclared gifts and donations. Major parties are refusing to contest the seat; the campaign is dominated by novelty and fringe candidates such as Count Binface and Laurence Fox while parliamentary and criminal inquiries continue.
The BBC is confronting a funding crisis as licence-fee income declines amid changing audience habits. The corporation is exploring reforms, including subscriptions or a household levy, to sustain its public-service mission ahead of the 2027 charter review.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour leader at a special conference in London and will become prime minister on Monday after Keir Starmer formally resigns to the King. Burnham has secured overwhelming support from Labour MPs, pledged a "distinctively Labour" government, and promised to devolve power, tackle social care and focus on growth outside London.
Labour has elected Andy Burnham as leader and prime minister, propelled by a Makerfield by-election win. He vows to devolve power from Westminster and to drive a housing-led, regionally focused agenda. Bev Craig is set to become Greater Manchester’s mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate gains across the region.
The government has announced a major cabinet reshuffle under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, appointing a large new team and outlining an energy-relief plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Several long-standing figures have left or shifted roles as the administration signals a definitive break with the prior leadership.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham is confronting a crowded early agenda, including cabinet reshuffle, North Sea policy shifts, and party cohesion, as Labour seeks to translate broad support into effective governance.
Labour has moved into a polling lead amid a flurry of policy announcements by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, along with investigations surrounding Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Multiple polls show Labour ahead or tied with Reform, with regional gains in Greater Manchester. The mix of cost-of-living measures and waivers is shaping voter sentiment as byelections unfold.
Bev Craig is poised to become Greater Manchester mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate power after the Makerfield byelection. Results indicate Labour leads with a substantial margin, while Reform UK trails and Greens widen their foothold. Turnout remains relatively low despite the historic scale of the vote.
Nigel Farage has faced renewed questions about a £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire and related undisclosed liabilities as Reform UK seeks to regain momentum ahead of Clacton by-elections. Several outlets report that discussions about Reform’s finances occurred before his return to frontline politics, with investigations paused as he stands in the by-election.
Nigel Farage has unveiled "Operation Fortress": a Reform UK plan to use the Royal Navy to intercept small boats in the English Channel, detain those on board, and return them to France or Belgium. The proposal has drawn legal, military and diplomatic scepticism, French officials have condemned it, and rivals say it aims to distract from party financial scandals.
The Clacton by-election, triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation, features a record-long ballot with 34 candidates. Major parties sit out the race while independents and fringe figures like Count Binface vie for votes. The vote takes place on 13 August as Tendring District Council manages unprecedented logistical challenges and costs.
An 11‑year‑old girl has been found dead in the Gore Water at Gore Glen Woodland Park near Gorebridge after a search on Thursday, 6 August. Police Scotland has said the death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing; a post‑mortem has been scheduled and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Nigel Farage has triggered a by-election in Clacton after stepping down. Major parties are not fielding candidates amid questions over a £5m gift and possible standards investigations. Count Binface is a notable independent contender as voter turnout and polling shape the race.
Nigel Farage’s by-election campaign in Clacton continues with Count Binface drawing attention as a satirical challenger amid a field of 34 candidates. Main parties have declined to contest, citing a media circus and a parliamentary standards inquiry into Farage’s undisclosed £5 million gift. The race is shaping up as a barometer for Brexit-era politics.
Count Binface is challenging Nigel Farage in Clacton with a high-profile media presence and satirical pledges, amid a field of nearly three dozen candidates. Farage resigned to trigger the by-election; major parties boycott, citing a political stunt. The race also spotlights Binface’s creator, Jon Harvey, and his long-running spoof political career.
Farage has secured a victory in Clacton’s by-election amid a broad field of 34 candidates, but investigations into gifts and finances loom, and a second by-election could follow if rules are breached.
Nigel Farage has secured a by-election victory in Clacton with 22,239 votes (63.34%), defeating Count Binface as major parties boycotted the race. Turnout was 44.37%. The result follows Farage’s resignation in July, with an investigation into a £5m undeclared gift continuing.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election, receiving 62.8% of the vote amid a crowded field. He did not attend the count, citing a claimed threat, while opponents say the by-election is a distraction from ongoing scrutiny over finances and investigations. Count Binface is his main rival in a notable second place.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election with 22,239 votes after resigning in July; Count Binface has taken a record 9,455 votes (26.9%), the best-ever result for a novelty candidate. Major parties boycotted the contest and a parliamentary investigation into a a35m gift to Farage has resumed.
Nigel Farage has reclaimed Clacton with about 62.8% of the vote, defeating Count Binface as major parties boycott. He will return as MP, though scrutiny over a £5m donation and sleaze allegations continues; Farage has not attended the count, citing a credible threat and disruption concerns. The by-election cost taxpayers around £250,000.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election but faces a continuing parliamentary standards investigation into a £5m donation. Farage did not attend the count, choosing an overnight event instead, while police and council authorities review licensing for the night’s activities.
Labour has seen a small improvement in polling under Andy Burnham, but experts say the gains may be fragile. Reform UK faces scrutiny over funding and leadership turmoil, while the rise of Restore Britain adds to a fragmented right. Across multiple polls, Labour’s share remains around the low to mid-20s, with Reform similarly challenged.
Starmer has announced he is stepping down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years, triggering a by-election. He has cited a shift in focus to international affairs and other issues. The leadership transition follows Labour leadership changes and electoral pressure within the party.
A by‑election has opened in Camden after Sir Keir Starmer resigned. The Green leader, Zack Polanski, has been campaigning locally and is considering standing for the seat; local members are reported to be supportive. Labour has shortlisted candidates and is expected to select Camden council leader Sagal Abdi‑Wali as its nominee by next Wednesday.
Reform UK has launched an internal probe after Channel 4’s investigation claimed senior officials discussed overseas funding and polling paid by a US donor. The party’s leaders have stepped down pending the inquiry, as Labour and other parties call for police involvement while investigations continue.
Protesters at Reform UK’s Birmingham conference have been assaulted; footage shows a protester being hit with a crutch and hair pulled. Police are reviewing footage and appealing for witnesses as questions mount over party leaders’ comments.