Nigel Farage has been accused of lying and misleading the public after claiming he was advised by police not to attend the count for the Clacton by-election.
"Just one more thing, If the £5 million is for security why didn't Nigel Farage use some it to provide security to come to the count and stand on the stage." pic.twitter.com/yVzkqLrcbc
— JmRoyle #LFC #YNWA #BLM #RejoinEU (@MyArrse) August 14, 2026
Social media is rife with those claiming that Farage is just one hoax after another, with some comparing him to the likes of Adolf Hitler and Josef Goebbels. This follows Essex police’s statement refuting Farage’s claims.
His first act as MP for Clacton is to boycott Clacton, lie about the reason why, and then call Clacton constituents “nobodies” pic.twitter.com/TI8BopPpZh
— Harry Eccles (@Heccles94) August 14, 2026
Essex Police has said it did not advise any candidate that they should not attend the count, contradicting claims attributed to the Reform UK leader.
Well done all those in Clacton who voted for Farage.
— Snowleopardess 💚 (@snowleopardess) August 14, 2026
You got exactly what you deserve…a lying, arrogant, deceitful MP who will continue not to represent you in Parliament.
Bravo! https://t.co/XAyPC3tWPd
The BBC also understands that Essex Police has not advised any candidate against attending the Clacton declaration. The force said it had put in place measures designed to protect everyone involved in the event.
In a statement, Essex Police said: “We have a proportionate and robust policing operation to ensure the safety and security of all participants in the count.”
The force did not, however, provide details of any conversations it may have had with Farage specifically about the Clacton declaration.
Farage’s claim has therefore raised questions about what advice, if any, he received from officers and how he interpreted or presented that advice.
A rather hungover middle aged man who has been partying all night calls the police liars.
— Sir Michael Take CBE (@MichaelTakeMP) August 14, 2026
My wife Bunty tells me he’s an MP.
Really? 😱
More like one of those obnoxious yobs you see on those reality programmes about the police on Channel 5.
pic.twitter.com/AgDYrfDnbz
The Clacton count is being held amid heightened political interest, with Farage’s presence likely to attract significant attention from supporters, opponents and the media. Any concerns about security at the event are consequently expected to be handled carefully by police.
Essex Police’s statement appears to draw a distinction between advising a candidate not to attend and providing security advice or discussing arrangements for the count. While the force has confirmed that it is operating a substantial policing operation, it has not confirmed that Farage was told to stay away.
The lack of detail means that questions remain over the precise nature of any conversation between Farage and police. However, the clear statement that no candidate was advised not to attend directly undermines any suggestion that police formally instructed Farage to avoid the count.
The episode is likely to add to scrutiny of Farage’s conduct and his account of events surrounding the by-election. Unless further evidence emerges showing that police gave him specific advice that differed from their general position, the claim that he was advised not to attend is not supported by Essex Police’s public statement.
