‘We love you, Nigel!’ In Clacton-on-Sea, there is little sign that the Reform leader’s star has waned. Campaigning with Farage here is a burst of cackles, quips, nicotine and selfies: a march through sun-kissed streets with a cast of canvassers, aides and minders.

A child clasping a teddy bear dances around, Reform’s rosette pinned to her top; a groaning assistant clutches two dozen poster boards. On the doors in Seawick, there is near-universal support, with variations on the theme which Farage has made his campaign slogan: ‘I’m with Nigel.’

In the middle of silly season, Clacton is hosting one of Britain’s most bizarre by-elections. Amid a barrage of unfavourable stories about financial gifts and past support, Farage quit parliament last month, saying it was for voters to judge his actions rather than journalists.

He wanted a proper contest – yet the Tories, Labour and Lib Dems all refused to play ball. They argue he will soon face a second by-election anyway, via the parliamentary watchdog. Farage now faces joke candidates: Count Binface, three Monster Raving Loonies and the actor Laurence Fox. In SW1 he may face ridicule – but here in Essex, he is embraced.

‘I don’t dump trusted friends unless they betray me – it’s as simple as that’

‘I don’t dump trusted friends unless they betray me – it’s as simple as that’

If there is such a thing as Nigeland then it is to be found in Clacton. The streets are a medley of horns as sole traders drive past and signal their support. One pulls up for the full Farage patter. ‘How are you? Good, good. Running your own business? Working hard, paying tax? Because we want........

© The Spectator