Clacton by-election called as Farage quits Reform leadership

A by-election has been called in Clacton after Nigel Farage stepped down as Reform UK leader to take up a seat in the Lords. Count Binface - the satirical candidate who stood against Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak - has announced he will stand.

The Mirror reports Carol Vorderman is backing Binface's candidacy, calling him the "Banksy of Politics". The Guardian confirms a pilot flew a banner over the constituency as part of the Binface campaign launch. The BBC is asking voters what they want from their next MP.

GB News reports a new poll places Reform third nationally, behind both Labour and the Conservatives. The Express carries a separate poll on Farage's chances of becoming Prime Minister - though his return to Clacton as a candidate rather than an incumbent changes the question the electorate is being asked.

The by-election is the first test of Reform's support since Farage's departure from the leadership. The party won Clacton at the general election and held it through government - whether it can defend the seat without Farage at the helm, and against a joke candidate with national recognition, will tell us how much of Reform's vote was the party and how much was the man.

Polling day hasn't yet been announced. The returning officer will set the date once nominations close.