Nigel Farage has spoken for the first time since the major political parties withdrew from the by-election in his former constituency of Clacton-on-Sea.
The Reform UK leader's only prominent rival for the seat is a comedian, Count Binface, who is running under the banner of the Forward Party.
Clacton-on-Sea is a deprived Essex town facing numerous challenges common to many British seaside towns, including housing issues, vandalism, drugs, and a rise in county lines violence.
The town's residents also experience lower life expectancy compared to wealthier parts of the county, with some areas having a life expectancy that is up to 18 years lower.
Farage, who has been criticized for his lack of engagement with the constituency during his time as MP, has promised to prioritize fixing potholes and halting housing developments opposed by locals.
He has also claimed to have done his best to promote tourism in the area, highlighting the town's great beaches as a major asset.
Farage's campaign has been marred by controversy, including an investigation into whether he should have registered a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency tycoon, and allegations of receiving support from a convicted criminal.
Farage has dismissed these claims as "spurious" and accused the media and political establishment of trying to portray him as a "war criminal".
The by-election is seen as a key test of Farage's popularity and the prospects of the Reform UK party in the area.
Farage has expressed confidence that a big vote in his favor would send a powerful message to the establishment and allow him to continue his "political revolution".
Count Binface, meanwhile, has acknowledged that he is unlikely to win the seat, but has vowed to continue his campaign and bring attention to the issues affecting the town.
