The election called by Reform UK’s leader, who is under scrutiny for corruption, has become a topic of humor. Major political parties have dismissed the call for election as a publicity stunt and have chosen not to participate by fielding candidates.
August 13, 2026, 5:00 a.m. EDT
31 minutes ago
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage appears at a central London news conference on Monday, in preparation for the Clacton by-election in eastern England. (Photo by Kin Cheung/AP)
CLACTON-ON-SEA, England — Residents of this once-thriving Victorian seaside town visited the polls Thursday for an election that was meant to be a demonstration of influence for Nigel Farage. Farage, known for his role in Brexit, leads the anti-immigrant Reform UK party and is a notable ally of former President Donald Trump in Britain.