Sam Borgman, a voter in Walton-on-the-Naze, watched Nigel Farage's August byelection campaign unfold and saw something familiar. “It's Wizard of Oz stuff, style over substance,” said Borgman, who programmes electronics in racing cars. “I think having a man with a bin on his head as his rival is possibly the contempt he deserves.”
The Reform UK leader triggered the contest after mounting questions over his finances, including an investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner. Farage cast the vote as a “people versus the establishment” battle. But new polling by Public First for POLITICO suggests the country is not buying it: 44% of UK voters disagree that Farage is a victim of the political establishment, against 28% who agree. Only Reform voters back the claim, by 66% to 10%.
“Poll shows 56% of Brits call Farage's byelection a pointless waste; Clacton voters are divided.”
In Clacton itself, reactions range from adulatory to outright cynical. “He looked rather rattled, I thought, quite severe,” said Philippa, a resident who voted Liberal Democrat, describing a media event in Frinton-on-Sea where Farage “wasn't engaging with people.” Another voter, Nick, called the byelection “a stunt” and said Farage “has overplayed his hand.” Nick suggested Trump advisers had urged him to “go direct to the people” after the 250th celebrations in the US.
The byelection, set for 13 August, has been boycotted by all mainstream parties, leaving the satirical Count Binface and Laurence Fox as Farage's only potential rivals. The poll found that Count Binface is rated more trustworthy and likeable than Farage. By 48% to 29%, respondents dismissed the byelection as a “silly political move.” A 56% majority said it is a pointless waste of time and money, and 45% believe it will damage Farage's image, against 27% who think it will help.
Yet few in Westminster expect Farage to lose. Clacton is diehard territory: he won 46% of the vote in the last general election. Giles Watling, the former Conservative MP whose 24,700 majority was wiped out when Farage ran in 2024, said: “He will win, of course.” The question is whether a victory bought by turning an election into a circus will leave Farage stronger or exposed.