Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage (C) celebrates the victory of party candidate Sarah Pochin in the Runcorn & Helsby by-election at the DCBL stadium in Widnes, north west England, in the early hours of May 2, 2025. Oli Bufanda | AFP | Getty ImagesNigel Farage, leader of Britain’s right-wing Reform party, won re-election to parliament in a vote he sparked last month by resigning amid controversy over his finances. Farage, who was previously praised by US President Donald Trump and was a figurehead in the UK’s campaign to leave the European Union, faces a parliamentary investigation for failing to declare a £5 million ($6.7 million) donation from a Thailand-based crypto investor. The investigation was suspended after his resignation on July 7. Mainstream parties boycotted the by-election, leaving Farage’s main opponent as the disguised serial candidate “Count Binface”, who came in second place. Count Binface of the Count Binface Party speaks to the media where votes were being counted at The Edge on June 18, 2026 in Wigan, England. Ryan Jenkinson | Getty ImagesThis is breaking news and will be updated shortly. Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
