Reform UK leader Nigel Farage appears set for a convincing victory in the upcoming special by-election in Clacton, which he called for amid accusations of impropriety surrounding gifts he received as a private citizen before becoming a Member of Parliament. However, new polling suggests that the establishment parties’ boycott may have stemmed from fear of a heavy defeat to Mr Farage, who remains popular in his constituency. Followed by Binface, is five per cent for “another party” and two per cent for Reclaim Party leader Laurence Fox. Reform also holds a commanding lead regardless of the boycott in terms of party preference in a future general election. Commenting on the race on Tuesday, Mr Farage said: “I’m being called a crook, a criminal, an extremist.