Counting is underway in the Clacton by-election, but Nigel Farage has said he will not attend the result declaration to be “humiliated by nobodies”.
Thousands of residents turned out to determine whether the Reform UK leader retains his seat in a contest triggered after he resigned amid scrutiny over his finances.
The contest has been boycotted by the major parties, leaving Count Binface – a satirical character who has pledged to abolish VAR in football and “nationalise Adele” – as his main rival.
The result is not expected until early on Friday morning after a record number of candidates stood in the by-election.
Reform UK said its leader would not attend the count due to advice from Essex Police about a threat against him, and he told supporters: "I am damned if I am going to stand on a stage, having won a resounding victory.... and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies."
However, Essex Police said it had "robust" policing in place at the count and that it did not tell any candidate not to attend.
Read MoreClacton by-election candidates: Meet the record number of people standing against Nigel Farage
In The Room | Count Binface vs Farage: Flakes, Ferraris and the Clacton by-election
Key Points
- Farage says he's not attending by-election count
- Essex Police 'did not advise any candidates to avoid count'
- Polls close as Farage vies to retain seat
- Farage Fest: Where Nigel Farage is as he says he won't be attending count
- Turnout confirmed at 44%
- In the Room podcast: Count Binface on Farage, Flakes, Ferraris, and Clacton
Results expected imminently
05:59 , Namita SinghIt’s almost 6am in Clacton and we are expecting the results of the by-election to be declared immediately.
The candidates have gathered and the press are heading to the floor to hear the declaration.
Essex Police 'did not advise any candidates to avoid count'
05:34 , Namita SinghNigel Farage claimed victory in the Clacton by-election but said he would not go to the count because of what Reform UK said was a “credible threat” against him.
A Reform UK spokesperson later said: “Essex Police advised Nigel not to attend the count tonight due to a credible threat against him.”
However, according to the Press Association, Essex Police did not tell Mr Farage, or any other candidate, not to attend the count.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We have a proportionate and robust policing operation to ensure the safety and security of all participants in the count.”
Live: Counting continues in Clacton by-election for Farage vs. Count Binface showdown
05:27 , Namita SinghFarage shuns Clacton by-election count after advice from Essex Police
05:26 , Namita SinghNigel Farage has said he will not attend the Clacton by-election count after advice from Essex Police about a plot to embarrass him on stage during the announcement of the result.
The Reform UK leader pre-empted the official announcement of the result of the by-election by telling supporters he had secured more votes than when he won the seat at the 2024 general election.
Mr Farage called the result a “convincing, overwhelming win” that would surpass the 21,225 votes he received just two years ago.
However, speaking at a “Farage Fest” event in Essex, organised by Reform UK, that he would dodge the traditional declaration of the results after being given notice of an “organised campaign” to “disrupt and degrade the result”.
Acting returning officer Ian Davidson said it was Mr Farage’s decision “whether or not to attend the count”.
Latest pictures from Clacton count
05:14 , Athena Stavrou
Clacton official says did not know Farage would not attend count
05:12 , Namita SinghClacton by-election acting returning officer Ian Davidson said he did not know that Nigel Farage would not attend the count until the Reform UK leader announced in a speech to his supporters elsewhere in Essex.
A spokesperson for Reform UK said: “Essex Police advised Nigel not to attend the count tonight due to a credible threat against him.”
Essex Police said: “The Tendring District Council press office have a statement from the returning officer, Ian Davidson, relating to this so if you contact them they should be able to assist.”
Farage pays tribute to Widdecombe
04:46 , Namita SinghNigel Farage referred earlier to the late Ann Widdecombe, a former Brexit Party MEP colleague who later joined Reform UK and acted as a spokesperson.
She had previously been a Home Office minister in Sir John Major’s Conservative government in the 1990s.
“I also want us to remember, in a solemn moment, the fact that yesterday was the funeral of Ann Widdecombe. God bless her.
“Murdered for having her own deep Christian convictions.
“Murdered for being a supporter of Reform, murdered by an intolerance that has now swept through the entire left-wing politics of Britain, and is aided, abetted and incited every day by broadcasters and national newspapers.”
Clacton would ‘stick two fingers up to the political establishment’ says Farage
04:38 , Namita SinghIn a speech claiming victory, Nigel Farage said the result in Clacton would “stick two fingers up to the political establishment”, as he said the size of his victory would vindicate his resignation and decision to stand in a by-election.
He said: “The verdict is now in, and it is a convincing, overwhelming win with more votes than we got in the General Election of 2024.
“In doing so we have beaten the candidate for the ‘uni-party’. Yes there were Liberal Democrats, Labour, Conservative canvassers out canvassing for Count Binface. What an upside-down world it is, where Count Binface is now the candidate of the establishment.”
He added: “Today the voters in Clacton have stuck up two fingers to the entire political establishment.”
Clacton official says count has ‘robust policing operation’ amid Farage’s claims
04:29 , Namita SinghActing returning officer for the by-election, chief executive of Tendring District Council Ian Davidson said he would not comment on security matters, but said there was a “robust policing operation” in place.
The statement came as Nigel Farage said he would not attend the count at Clacton Leisure Centre as Essex Police had told him about an “organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result”.
Mr Davidson told the count: “We work very closely with Essex Police and have done so throughout this process, and continue to do so tonight, and we will be continuing the count, as we always do, in a safe and secure manner.”
In a later statement, Mr Davidson said: “We have worked closely with Essex Police colleagues to ensure the election process is completed safely and securely, as is evident from the level of security we have in place here today.
“This includes a robust policing operation throughout the day and including at the count.“It is a candidate’s decision whether or not to attend the count.
“However I want to reassure people we have no reason not to proceed with the count process at this time.”
Count Binface: 'We'll be back here in a few weeks'
04:24 , Athena StavrouCount Binface - Nigel Farage’s main competitor in Clacton - has hit out at the Reform UK’s leader to call a by-election.
Mr Farage resigned as the constituency’s MP amid questions over his financial affairs.
But he has drawn criticism over his decision to force a by-election whilst he was under investigation from the parliamentary standards watchdog over a £5m donation he received from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, which he failed to declare.
If a serious fault is found, they will propose a sanction against Farage, and if it is penalty is a suspension from the Commons of 10 working days or more, a recall petition becomes possible in Clacton meaning a second by-election could happen in weeks.
Speaking to Sky News, Count Binface said: “Well, in that case, it's going to be a two-legged match like the Carabao Cup or the Cold War, because we're going to be back again in a few weeks, aren't we? We will see what happens then.”
Nigel Farage refuses to attend count as he declares victory in Clacton by-election
04:08 , Namita SinghNigel Farage has declared victory in the Clacton by-election, as he said the result was an “overwhelming” endorsement of him.
The Reform UK leader said he had won “fairly convincingly” as counting was underway for the by-election he called following scrutiny of a £5m donation from a cryptocurrency tycoon.
But he said he would not attend the count at Clacton Leisure Centre as Essex Police had told him about an “organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result”.
Mr Farage added at an event organised by Reform in Essex: “I’m not scared of these people, far from it.
“But I’m damned if I’m going to stand on a stage, having won a resounding victory, a ringing endorsement of all that I’ve tried to fight for, and you’ve tried to fight for, and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies, and I will not sadly be attending the count.”
Turnout confirmed at 44%
04:00 , Athena StavrouAfter all the ballots had been verified, the returning officer confirmed the turnout was 44.37 per cent.
35,401 people ventured out in the scorching heat to cast their vote in Clacton on Thursday.
The turnout figure is down 14 per cent on the 2024 general election turnout in the constituency, but is quite high for a by-election.
Returning officer confirms count will continue
03:35 , Athena StavrouMinutes after Nigel Farage said he would not be coming to the Clacton by-election count, the returning officer has made a statement.
He said that they are working “very closely” with Essex Police, and “will be continuing the count”.
The Reform UK leader told a crowd of supporters that he would not be present for the declaration, as he claimed Essex Police has told him about an "organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result".
The returning officer said: “I am going to say that this continues. I will not comment on security matters, but I'm going to say to you that we work closely with the Essex Police.
“We just had a further meeting, but there was no there was no issue in terms of us completing the count tonight.”
Farage Fest: Where Nigel Farage is as he says he won't be attending count
03:35 , Athena StavrouWhile the count is well underway at Clacton-on-Sea leisure centre, Nigel Farage is several miles away in the Essex countryside, at his very own festival.
Reform UK has organised a festival, which according to GB News, is decked out with a live band, bars, fire pits, marquees.
It is one of the more bizarre political events I have ever been to. Live now on @GBNEWS. pic.twitter.com/0cjKJPTOnL
— Christopher Hope📝 (@christopherhope) August 13, 2026
Farage says he's not attending his own by-election declaration
03:08 , Athena StavrouNigel Farage has said he will not be attending the Clacton by-election count in the town.
The Reform UK leader claimed Essex Police had told him about an “organised campaign to disrupt and degrade the result”.
He made the remarks at ‘Farage fest’, an event several miles away from the count in the Essex countryside.
Reform UK has organised a festival, which according to GB News, is decked out with a live band, bars, fire pits, marquees.
He said he will stay at the event “all night”, though not all media has been invited.
Counting well underway in Clacton
02:54 , Athena StavrouIt’s the early hours of the morning here in Clacton and counting is well underway.
At around 1:25am, the returning officer Ian Davidson confirmed all the ballots had been verified, around two hours ahead of expected.
A number of candidates have arrived, including a host of Monster Raving Loony party members and the man of the hour, Count Binface.
We’re not expecting results for a few hours yet - but stay tuned.
Reform confident of Nigel Farage victory
01:48 , Athena StavrouReform UK are confident that Nigel Farage has swept to victory in the by-election he triggered after stepping down as Clacton’s MP.
A Reform source said Mr Farage looks to be “doing well”, while the party leader himself declared had won the by-election “fairly convincingly”.
“I've managed to beat the establishment candidate,” he told GB News.
"Labour, Lib Dem, and Conservative canvassers have been out for Binface," he said.
"You know, they're not gonna win. The uni-party aren't going to win."
Returning officer describes challenges of largest-ever candidate list
01:14 , Athena StavrouThe official in charge of running the Clacton by-election has detailed the lengths Tendring District Council has gone to in order to accommodate the largest-ever candidate list.
Ian Davidson, Acting Returning Officer and chief executive at Tendring council told Sky News they had taken on more staff at the count, and had put double counting tables in place so they had capacity to hold the votes for the record 34 candidates.
Mr Davidson said the overall by-election had cost about £250,000.
He said: “Some of the challenges have been including postal votes, because getting that amount in, so sending them out to the postal voters, then envelopes to be able to return them.
“Then we’ve had to put double tables on, as you can see here, more staff to be able to manage the process through, and actually the cost of the ballot papers has been about four times as much as it was in the general election because of the sheer increase in size.”
The number of candidates at 34 is in contrast to the nine who stood in the seat in the general election in July 2024, which Reform UK leader Nigel Farage won with a majority of 8,405.
By-election official explains why Farage's offer to pay for contest was rejected
Friday 14 August 2026 00:41 , Athena StavrouA top official at tonight’s by-election count has explained why Nigel Farage’s offer to pay for the contest was rejected.
The Reform UK leader offered to cover the costs of the poll after standing down as Clacton’s MP after massive scrutiny around his financial affairs.
But returning officer Ian Davidson said they could "absolutely not" accept that offer, telling Sky News: “That would be seen to be inappropriate because it would [be] seen to be biased.
"So we certainly wouldn't accept it, and nor would government... So no political party would be paying for the election - it will be paid for out of the public purse."
Let rich pensioners opt out of state pension in exchange for OBE, Labour pressure group urges Burnham
Friday 14 August 2026 00:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham should introduce a ‘pensions sacrifice OBE’ which would allow wealthy pensioners to opt out of their state pension for at least three years in return for an honour, a Labour Party pressure group allied with the prime minister has recommended.
Compass, a leading think tank, has put together a report – seen by The Independent – outlining 100 policies they believe the prime minister should introduce in his first 100 days, which will be published in three parts over the next three weeks.
Compass is headed by Neil Lawson, who is also the co-founder of Mainstream Labour, the Burnham-backed faction set up in August 2025 that was closely associated with Mr Burnham when he was preparing to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
Burnham urged to let rich pensioners to opt out of state pension in exchange for OBE
In pictures: Count takes place in Clacton
Thursday 13 August 2026 23:45 , Alex Ross
Last ballot box arrves for counting
Thursday 13 August 2026 23:28 , Alex RossThe last ballot box has arrived at Clacton Leisure Centre for the Clacton by-election count, acting returning officer Ian Davidson has announced.
Kemi Badenoch’s popularity is rising – but voters still unconvinced by Tory party, new poll shows
Thursday 13 August 2026 23:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has seen a sustained uptick in personal popularity despite public opinion towards her party remaining negative, a new poll has found.
YouGov has dubbed the trend a “Keminaissance”, with 38 per cent of Britons now saying she is doing well as leader, up from just 14 per cent in October.
A further 27 per cent also see the Conservative leader as prime minister-in-waiting, the results show, up from 8 per cent over the same period.
But at the same time, just 20 per cent of the country says they intend to vote for the Tories at the next general election, up only three percentage points from October.
Badenoch’s popularity is rising – but voters still unconvinced by Tory party
Provisional turnout is around 43 per cent
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:40 , Alex RossThe provisional turnout for the Clacton by-election is approximately 43 per cent, acting returning officer Ian Davidson has announced.
The final figure will be confirmed after verification of the ballots has been completed.
The provisional turnout figure is down 15 per cent on the 2024 general election turnout in the constituency.
First ballot box arrives for count
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:39 , Alex RossThe first ballot box has arrived at Clacton Leisure Centre after polls closed in the Clacton by-election.
Counting is due to begin at the leisure centre, which is the count venue, later.
Press who gathered to see ballot boxes arriving were approached by a man wearing a T-shirt with “vote Binface” written on it and a woman with a plastic bin on her head who was giving out small plastic ducks from a plastic bag.
The man, who was walking a dog, and the woman were directed to another part of the site by security staff.
Farage 'can't run from the truth' says Labour Party
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:12 , Alex RossThe Labour Party has said Nigel Farage “can’t run from the truth forever” as polls closed in the Clacton by-election, as they said questions over donations he had received would continue.
Labour chose not to stand a candidate against the Reform UK leader, however, Labour chairwoman Bridget Phillipson said he would still face questions over his funding.
She said: “Nigel Farage spent 38 days fighting a bin in his most desperate attempt yet to deflect attention from the sleaze and scandals engulfing him and his party.
“Farage may succeed in his run-off against a bin, but he can’t run from the truth forever.
“The list of unanswered questions about the £5 million gift he hid from the public, his support from a convicted fraudster, and the mountain of other scandals he and Reform are facing isn’t going away. In fact, it’s getting longer by the day.
“It’s time to stop the excuses and desperate distractions and finally come clean with the public.
“If Farage has nothing to hide, he surely would have done so by now.”
Polls close in Clacton by-election as Farage vies to retain seat
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:04 , Alex RossPolls have closed in the Clacton by-election with Nigel Farage hoping to retain his seat.
Polling stations in the Essex resort shut at 10pm having been open since 7am.
The result is likely to be announced on Friday morning.
Man arrested after addresses were shared during violent anti-migrant protests in Thetford
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolice investigating how addresses were targeted by anti-migrant protesters in Thetford have arrested a man in his 60s.
The man was arrested on 7 August 2026 on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and assisting an offender as part of an investigation into how information about the homes was shared.
Tensions flared in Thetford, Norfolk, last week when homes linked to asylum seekers were targeted, with many forced to flee, and police officers were assaulted.
Several people were arrested after the three nights of unrest, including a teenager on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
Man arrested after addresses shared during Thetford anti-migrant protests
Banning zero-hours contracts could cost businesses up to £3bn a year
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOutlawing zero-hours contracts could impose an annual cost on businesses of up to £3 billion, according to new Government analysis.
However, the proposed workplace reforms are nevertheless expected to "support growth" through the improvement of conditions for staff, an impact assessment published on Wednesday states.
The total direct expense to employers resulting from the ban is estimated to lie between £350 million and £2.9 billion each year, with figures showing an "indicative central" baseline of £1.1 billion.
Ministers are consulting on whether to extend the measures to anyone working 48 hours a week, though official preference remains a threshold between eight and 20 hours.
Banning zero-hours contracts could cost businesses up to £3bn a year
Investigation into Farage will resume if he wins seat
Thursday 13 August 2026 20:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainBefore quitting Westminster, Nigel Farage was being investigated by the parliamentary standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg over a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne, which he received before taking his seat in the Commons.
Under Commons rules, new MPs are required to register any gifts worth more than £300 they received in the previous 12 months, except where the gift “could not be reasonably thought by others” to relate to their political activities.
That investigation was paused when Mr Farage resigned his seat but will resume if he wins the by-election – as bookmakers have made him the firm favourite to do.
Mr Farage could also face an investigation over support provided by George Cottrell, a long-term ally.
Mr Cottrell reportedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Mr Farage’s social media before the general election, and has continued to allow him to use a five-storey Georgian property he rented near Buckingham Palace.
The tiny village of Piddington that’s voted to leave the UK
Thursday 13 August 2026 19:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA quaint village in Oxfordshire has staged a referendum where they have voted to leave the United Kingdom - over concerns about a nearby military site being used to house asylum seekers.
The Home Office is considering using the Bicester barracks to house 1,250 people, but this has been met with fierce opposition from the 350 local residents of Piddington.
In response, Andy Burnham said on Tuesday that wealthy areas of Britain “must play their part”, and that the country “cannot have a situation where it’s only the poorest communities in the country” housing asylum seekers.
The tiny village of 350 people that’s voted to leave the UK
Reform councillor suspended over social media posts calling for Commons speaker to be hanged
Thursday 13 August 2026 19:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA Reform councillor has been suspended after resurfaced social media posts appeared to show him calling for the Commons speaker to be hanged.
In response to a post about then Commons speaker John Bercow, an account linked to Kirklees councillor David Rowan wrote on social media in October 2019: “Hang the Dwarf”.
In another post, which has not yet been deleted, the account also made homophobic comments, having said he doesn’t believe “gays should have kids full stop”.
A Reform UK spokesperson said: “Cllr Rowan has been suspended from Reform UK pending investigation.”
Reform councillor suspended over posts calling for Commons speaker to be hanged
The strange and surprisingly moving story behind Count Binface, the man taking on Farage
Thursday 13 August 2026 18:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKatie Rosseinsky takes a look at the man behind the mask:
The surprisingly moving story behind Count Binface, the man taking on Farage
Full list of candidates for the Clacton constituency
Thursday 13 August 2026 18:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainHere are all 34 candidates:
- Joseph 77 (Independent)
- Adham Alkhatip (The Forward Party)
- Count Binface (Count Binface Party)
- Nick The Incredible Flying Brick (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
- Tony Cane (Independent)
- Woke Trump Carrzee (Independent)
- William Stuart James Clouston (Social Democratic Party)
- Rees Cowne (Independent)
- Glenn Charles Cummings (Independent)
- Martin Davies (Freedom Alliance – Real People, Real Alternative!)
- Andy Erlam (Independent)
- Nigel Farage (Reform UK)
- Attieh Fard (Independent)
- Laurence Fox (The Reclaim Party)
- Tony Francis (Independent)
- Robin Green (Independent)
- Abi Hookway (Independent)
- Howling Laud Hope (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
- Stephen Richard Ingram (Independent)
- Amy Morris (Independent)
- Derrick Norbert Morris (Independent)
- Michael Noel O’Keeffe (Independent)
- Martyn OBrien (Independent)
- Nick Pelas (Independent)
- Ketankumar Pipaliya (UK VOICE safer and stronger UK)
- Daniel Pocock (Independent)
- James Ransley (Consensus Party Candidate)
- Gerry Smith (Independent)
- Kai Stephens (British Democrats)
- John Stevens (Rejoin EU)
- Baron Von Thunderclap (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
- Pamela Walford (Independent)
- Marcus White (Everyone is God Party)
- Marc Wilkinson (Independent)
Pictures from Clacton today
Thursday 13 August 2026 17:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
What time will the Clacton by-election result be announced?
Thursday 13 August 2026 17:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPolling stations close at 10pm for the high-profile snap by-election in Clacton.
The result is expected to be announced in the early hours of Friday.
Labour’s immigration policy has been an ‘abject failure’, says Burnham-backing pressure group
Thursday 13 August 2026 16:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOne of Andy Burnham’s allies has launched a vocal attack on the government’s approach to immigration, arguing that it has been an “abject failure, both morally and electorally”.
Compass, a leading think tank, has put together a report – seen by The Independent – outlining 100 policies they believe the prime minister should introduce in his first 100 days, which will be published in three parts over the next three weeks.
The pressure group is headed by Neil Lawson, who is also the co-founder of Mainstream Labour, the Burnham-backed faction set up in August 2025 that was closely associated with the new prime minister when he was preparing to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
Labour immigration policy an ‘abject failure’, says Burnham-backing pressure group
Let rich pensioners opt out of state pension in exchange for OBE, Labour pressure group urges Burnham
Thursday 13 August 2026 16:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham should introduce a ‘pensions sacrifice OBE’ which would allow wealthy pensioners to opt out of their state pension for at least three years in return for an honour, a Labour Party pressure group allied with the prime minister has recommended.
Compass, a leading think tank, has put together a report – seen by The Independent – outlining 100 policies they believe the prime minister should introduce in his first 100 days, which will be published in three parts over the next three weeks.
Compass is headed by Neil Lawson, who is also the co-founder of Mainstream Labour, the Burnham-backed faction set up in August 2025 that was closely associated with Mr Burnham when he was preparing to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
Burnham urged to let rich pensioners to opt out of state pension in exchange for OBE
Starmer’s leadership style doesn’t work in politics, admits one of his most senior ex-ministers
Thursday 13 August 2026 15:29 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer’s approach to governing “doesn’t necessarily work in politics”, a cabinet minister has suggested.
Addressing the No 10 setup during her former boss’s premiership, Yvette Cooper suggested that new prime minister Andy Burnham is better equipped for “a world of social media”.
Sir Keir stepped down as prime minister last month, promising his “full support” to Mr Burnham.
Under Sir Keir’s tenure in Downing Street, Ms Cooper held posts in the cabinet as home secretary and subsequently foreign secretary.
Starmer’s leadership style doesn’t work in politics, admits senior ex-minister
Rishi Sunak and family ‘truly at home’ in Yorkshire, former PM’s wife says
Thursday 13 August 2026 14:50 , Maryam Zakir-HussainRishi Sunak and his family are “truly at home” in his Yorkshire constituency, the former prime minister’s wife has said.
Akshata Murty said the couple and their two daughters feel like they belong in North Yorkshire, where Mr Sunak is the Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton.
She said: “We’ve been living here now for 11 years… We feel incredibly lucky to live here, incredibly accepted in this community, incredibly proud in Rishi’s case, to represent this community.
Rishi Sunak and family ‘truly at home’ in Yorkshire, former PM’s wife says
‘Aggressive and abusive’ man found guilty of harassing Stella Creasy MP on Tube train
Thursday 13 August 2026 14:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAn “abusive and aggressive” man has been found guilty of harassing MP Stella Creasy after he blocked her from leaving a Tube train.
Clifford Wilby, aged 63 of east London, saw the Labour MP for Walthamstow on 15 July last year on a Victoria Line train between Walthamstow Central and Finsbury Park railway station, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday.
Wilby saw the MP, blocked her ability to leave the Tube carriage and started talking to her about knife crime and her “failings as a Member of Parliament”, then filmed her, before members of the public intervened, the court heard.
‘Abusive’ man found guilty of harassing MP Stella Creasy on Tube
Watch: Reform councillor suspended over social media posts calling for Commons speaker to be hanged
Thursday 13 August 2026 14:10 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTories demand Burnham cap student loan interest
Thursday 13 August 2026 13:40 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Conservatives have called on Andy Burnham to cap student loan interest at inflation, measured by the UK Retail Price Index (RPI).
Kemi Badenoch outlined the policy in February, maintaining that it would save graduates tens of thousands of pounds.
The renewed demands to "fix student debt" come as A-level students prepare to receive their exam results.
The party also pledged to scrap university courses leaving graduates "saddled with debt and with no job prospects", reinvesting savings into apprenticeships.
Tories demand Burnham cap student loan interest
Minister defends plan to ban zero-hour contracts – even though it could cost £3bn a year
Thursday 13 August 2026 13:10 , Maryam Zakir-HussainA minister has defended the government’s proposed plan to ban zero-hour contracts, despite analysis revealing it could cost businesses up to £3 billion a year.
The government is consulting on whether to apply the policy to anyone working 48 hours a week, but its preference is for the threshold to be between eight and 20 hours.
But according to government data, the direct cost to employers of a ban as a whole could be between £350 million and £2.9bn per year – with an “indicative central” estimate of £1.1bn.
Minister defends plan to ban zero-hour contracts – although it could cost £3bn a year
Kemi Badenoch’s popularity is rising – but voters still unconvinced by Tory party, new poll shows
Thursday 13 August 2026 12:42 , Maryam Zakir-HussainConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has seen a sustained uptick in personal popularity despite public opinion towards her party remaining negative, a new poll has found.
YouGov has dubbed the trend a “Keminaissance”, with 38 per cent of Britons now saying she is doing well as leader, up from just 14 per cent in October.
A further 27 per cent also see the Conservative leader as prime minister-in-waiting, the results show, up from 8 per cent over the same period.
But at the same time, just 20 per cent of the country says they intend to vote for the Tories at the next general election, up only three percentage points from October.
Badenoch’s popularity is rising – but voters still unconvinced by Tory party
