Chris Mason: It's far from certain whether by-election will strengthen Farage

Chris Mason: It's far from certain whether by-election will strengthen FarageImage source, PA MediaByChris MasonPolitical editorPublished18 minutes agoNigel Farage's decision to trigger a by-election in his seat of Clacton in Essex took a bizarre twist this morning, when a man who dresses up as a bin and tells the world he lives on the planet Sigma IX began his interview with the BBC.Count Binface's conversation with Justin Webb and Nick Robinson on the BBC's Today programme came about because he is one of vanishingly few people saying he will run against Farage in the contest expected this summer.As Reform UK could have predicted – and insist that they did – the main parties at Westminster have each said they won't be putting up a candidate in the race.With Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party all declining to take part, journalistic duty and curiosity led to a spot of scrutiny about a novelty candidate who says he will.Why has Farage resigned and what happens next?Published17 hours agoWhat do Farage's constituents think about his resignation?Published19 hours agoSenior figures in Reform say they did price in both scenarios that have since played out: other parties saying they won't stand and some seeking to delay the by-election until after the completion of the ongoing inquiry into Farage by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.The Liberal Democrats have suggested the government should delay appointing Farage to one of the Crown roles a departing MP has to occupy in order to leave the Commons.Clearly, the risk for ministers in doing this would be to play into Reform's argument that what they see as "establishment" parties are blocking their right to a democratic race.Let's unpack the pros and cons of this move from Farage's perspective.Clearly, less than 24 hours on from his announcement, the downside for him is triggering what some will see as a pointless by-elect...