STORY
A row has developed over Nigel Farage’s decision not to attend the declaration of the Clacton by-election result after Reform UK said Essex Police had advised him to stay away because of a credible threat. Farage instead attended a private Reform event while the result was announced at the Clacton count.
Essex Police disputed the suggestion that it had advised Farage not to attend. The force said there had been a full policing operation surrounding the election, that there were no incidents or issues and that decisions over whether candidates attended the count were matters for individuals and their security teams.
Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson defended Farage during an appearance on BBC Breakfast. Anderson acknowledged that he had spoken neither to Farage nor Essex Police about what had happened, but said some police forces were “about as honest” as the BBC. He added that if Farage said he had been advised not to attend, he would believe Farage above the police and the BBC.