Kathmandu— Nigel Farage has been re-elected as Member of Parliament for Clacton, winning a by-election largely boycotted by the Labour Party, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Greens. The Reform UK leader secured 63% of the vote on Thursday, a substantial increase from his previous win in 2024, after triggering the election to challenge what he termed ‘the establishment.’ While mainstream parties declined to field candidates, Farage faced competition from independent and novelty figures, including comedian Count Binface, who garnered 27% of the vote. The result comes as Farage faces ongoing investigation into financial matters.

Strategic Boycott by Mainstream Parties

The decision by major UK political parties to boycott the Clacton by-election was a deliberate tactic intended to undermine the legitimacy of the contest, according to observers. Farage had vacated his seat in July with the stated goal of winning it back with an increased majority, which he believed would embarrass his opponents. He previously described the election as an opportunity for voters to express their dissatisfaction with the political establishment.

Farage Claims Victory Over ‘The Establishment’

Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the by-election, Farage characterized his win as a triumph over the established political order. “I called this by-election because I wanted the people of Clacton to be my judge, not the mainstream media in Britain, and the political establishment who paint us as criminals,” he told supporters after the results were announced. He further claimed that his campaign had defeated “the candidate for the uniparty.” Farage also alleged that canvassers from opposing parties were actively supporting Count Binface, a novelty candidate boosted by liberal media outlets.

Ongoing Financial Investigation

Farage’s victory comes amid scrutiny of his personal finances. He has been under investigation since May by Britain’s parliamentary standards watchdog regarding a £5 million ($6.7 million) gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne received before he took office in 2024. The probe was expanded after reports surfaced that Farage failed to declare funding from convicted fraudster George Cottrell between 2019 and 2024. Farage maintains his innocence, asserting the donation from Harborne was a personal gift intended to cover security costs and that he had no obligation to declare benefits received from Cottrell while not in office. The investigation was paused when he relinquished his seat but has since been reopened following Thursday’s results.

The parliamentary standards watchdog will continue its investigation into Farage's financial affairs, potentially leading to further scrutiny of the Reform UK leader and his campaign.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.