Clacton by-election polls close: What time is the result – as Farage aims to retain seat

• Polling has closed in the Clacton by-election, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attempting to retain his parliamentary seat.
• The result of the contest, which is estimated to have cost taxpayers around £250,000, is expected to be announced on Friday morning.
• Farage triggered the by-election after resigning in protest over scrutiny into a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne.
• Main Westminster parties boycotted the election as a stunt, leaving Farage to face a record field of 33 other candidates.
• The parliamentary standards investigation into the donation was paused upon Farage's resignation but will resume if he wins the seat.

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Clacton by-election result live: Polls close as Nigel Farage faces long wait to see if he’s beaten Count Binface