Polling stations across Clacton have closed following a contentious by-election battle where Nigel Farage emerged as the frontrunner despite unprecedented circumstances. The contest took an unconventional turn as all major Westminster political parties opted to withdraw their candidates from the race. This decision left voters with alternative choices, including eccentric independent candidates who brought unique and satirical perspectives to the campaign.

Summary auto-generated by AI from the original publisher's content. Editorial standards.