CLACTON-ON-SEA, U.K.: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage won the by-election in Clacton on August 14, but the result also exposed weaknesses in his strategy to silence his critics. His main challenger, Count Binface, a comedian who appeared dressed as a rubbish bin, won more than a quarter of the vote.

Farage, one of the most prominent figures behind Britain's Brexit campaign, made the unusual decision not to attend the vote count in the southern English seaside town of Clacton. He said police had warned him about a possible campaign to disrupt the result. He also canceled a victory speech planned for later that evening.

Before the result was announced, Farage told supporters at a party that he would not allow the occasion to be turned into a humiliation. "I am damned if I am going to stand on a stage, having won a resounding victory ... and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies," he said.

The by-election was triggered when Farage resigned from Parliament last month and decided to seek a new mandate from voters. He presented the move as part of a fight against what he described as an establishment determined to damage his reputation over gifts he received from donors that he did not declare.

Although Farage won the seat, the result highlighted the political risks of his decision. A parliamentary investigation into his financial affairs is expected to continue, meaning the election may not have removed the problem he had hoped to push aside.

Britain's major political parties had withdrawn from the contest, describing Farage's decision to call the by-election as a political stunt designed mainly to benefit himself. This left Count Binface as Farage's main challenger.

Count Binface is a fictional political character created by comedian Jonathan Harvey. The character has become a familiar and humorous presence during British elections. His campaign included unusual proposals such as putting a maximum price on ice cream cones and requiring people who use speakerphones on public transport to join the military.

Farage won 62.8 percent of the vote, while Count Binface received 26.7 percent. Overall turnout was 44 percent.

Result Bolsters Reform UK Support

The result came as support for Reform UK has weakened after the party enjoyed a long period of strong performance in national opinion polls. One factor behind the decline has been the controversy surrounding allegations about Farage's financial arrangements.

Parliament is investigating whether Farage should have declared a £5 million ($6.75 million) gift from a billionaire investor in the cryptocurrency sector.

The rise in support for the governing Labour Party has also created difficulties for Farage. Since Andy Burnham became prime minister last month, Labour has gained support in opinion polls. The party is currently ahead of Reform by 28 percent to 25 percent.

Burnham has received significant attention across television, radio and social media during his first weeks as prime minister. Although the next general election is expected to be about three years away, he appears to be strengthening support among left-leaning voters around Labour.

Reform, meanwhile, is fighting for support on the right of British politics. The Conservative Party remains a major competitor, while the anti-immigration party Restore Britain has also been gaining support.

Farage had been widely expected to win the Clacton election. However, his final vote share was significantly lower than a Survation poll conducted last month had predicted. That poll had forecast Farage would win 73 percent of the vote, while Count Binface was expected to receive 20 percent.

The parliamentary watchdog is expected to resume its investigation into Farage's financial declarations after he returns to Parliament.

The investigation is focused on whether Farage should have declared a gift from a billionaire based in Thailand before the 2024 general election. Under parliamentary rules, MPs must declare donations received during the year before an election within one month of taking office.

Farage has acknowledged receiving the money but says he did not need to declare it because he considered it a personal gift. He has maintained that he did not break any rules.

If parliamentary authorities decide that Farage failed to follow the declaration requirements, he could face suspension from Parliament. He could also be required to face another vote to keep his seat. In such a contest, the major political parties would most likely put forward their own candidates.