Pollsters recently asked a sample of adults in Britain who they would prefer to win the byelection in Clacton. The rather surprising answers showed that 33% favoured “comedy” candidate Count Binface, compared to just 21% who would back Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

The resignation earlier this month of Farage as MP for the Essex seat triggered the byelection on August 13. According to the Ipsos poll, Count Binface (writer and comedian Jon Harvey is the man under the bin) has nearly a 60% advantage over Farage. But more to the point, 45% of the respondents either want neither candidate to win or don’t know who they prefer.

A separate question asked about satisfaction with the performance of various political leaders. Farage turned out to be rather unpopular. He came second behind Keir Starmer as the most unpopular leader, with 26% of respondents satisfied and 63% dissatisfied with his leadership.

In relation to voting intentions, the Ipsos survey shows that Reform is on 26%, two points ahead of Labour on 24% and eight points ahead of the Conservatives on 18%. The survey also asked about Andy Burnham – 30% thought he would make the best prime minister, while 16% thought this about Farage and 13% about the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Comparing these ratings with those from another Ipsos survey conducted in June 2025 shows a dip in support for Reform. At that time, Farage scored 34% satisfied and 49% dissatisfied on the leadership question. And the party scored 34% in voting intentions, with Labour on 25% and the Conservatives on 15%.

So it looks like Burnham could put Labour in prime position in voting intentions when he enters Downing Street. But what might be responsible for this decline in support for Reform?

Four reasons for the Reform slide

Some key issues stand out when it comes to explaining why Reform and its leader are losing support. First, there is the scandal over the party’s finances. The party has received large donations from Bitcoin billionaire Christopher Harborne, who lives in Thailand, including £5 million given to Farage personally. He failed to report the latter to the parliamentary watchdog when he won the Clacton seat in 2024. Farage has stated that it was a personal gift and therefore did not need to be declared.

The regulations state that new MPs “must register all their current financial interests, and any registrable benefits (other than earnings) received in the 12 months before their election within one month of their election”.

This has undoubtedly damaged the party and its leader. It is a stretch to imagine that working-class voters in the north of England who voted for Reform in the general election will sympathise with a party leader who accepts large sums of money from such sources.

A second problem is that Reform’s narrative that it opposes the “crooked” establishment is looking threadbare. According to the Ipsos poll on Clacton, the party is seen by many voters as being part of the establishment rather than an alternative to it. The poll asked: “Do you think the following political parties are more on the side of the people or more on the side of the establishment?”

Looking at respondents who thought that parties were on the side of the people, 27% thought this about Labour, 13% about the Conservatives, 33% for the Liberal Democrats, 39% for the Greens and 28% for Reform. In contrast, 36% thought that Reform was on the side of the establishment. The party does better than its main rival, the Conservatives, but it is seen as being similar to Labour and more part of the establishment than either the Liberal Democrats or the Greens.

The third reason for Reform’s decline is Farage’s mistake in triggering the byelection in the first place. Voters were asked about this, and altogether 16% thought he was right to resign as an MP and to stand in the contest. But while a further 16% thought he should not have called it, 54% thought he should have resigned and left parliament.

Farage has been accused of calling the byelection to halt the parliamentary investigation into his undeclared gifts. Farage has said it is because he wants the people of Clacton to judge him.

In the survey, respondents were asked if the parliamentary standards committee should investigate whether he broke rules by not declaring the £5 million gift. A total of 74% thought the investigation should continue, with only 14% opposing this.

Finally, there is Farage’s miscalculation about what the other mainstream parties would do in the byelection. From his point of view, the best outcome would have been for them to stand and for Reform to defeat them all. This would have allowed him to argue that the “people” support him even if the “establishment” does not. But the fact that the mainstream parties withdrew, leaving Reform up against what the Telegraph newspaper has called “joke parties” is embarrassing, particularly if they do well.

There is a long history of eccentric candidates standing in byelections as a joke. They differ from small parties and independents by making fun of the whole exercise while seeking publicity. In the 2024 general election Count Binface got 308 votes in the Richmond and Northallerton constituency when he stood as a candidate. He is likely to do better in Clacton and may even win – although this is a long shot, despite Farage’s woes.

The leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony party, Howling Laud Hope, also plans to stand. His party is much older than the Binface party and fielded 22 candidates, winning nearly 6,000 votes in the 2024 general election. It will be interesting to see if he wins more votes than Count Binface.

Politics is no joke, but the participation of these candidates in elections adds to the gaiety. When Reform – which has its sights set on winning the next general election – loses votes to them it suggests that the party is on the slide.

Hair salons must also comply with general business regulations, including health and safety requirements

A disastrous haircut can leave customers frustrated, but many people are surprised to learn that hairdressers in the UK are not subject to any statutory regulation.

Unlike professions such as doctors or dentists, there is no legal requirement for hairdressers or barbers to hold specific qualifications before offering their services.

According to a House of Commons Library briefing, there have been various attempts in Parliament to introduce legislation to regulate hairdressers, but without success.

Instead, registration is voluntary through the Hair Council, which maintains a register of qualified hairdressers under the Hairdressers (Registration) Act 1964.

Hairdressers and barbers can choose to join the register if they can demonstrate they have been trained to an approved standard. However, only around one in 10 hairdressers is registered.

The Hair Council does not receive Government funding and is financed through registration fees. It also has no legal powers to act on behalf of consumers who have complaints about a haircut or other service.

While the industry itself is unregulated, hairdressers are still required to comply with consumer protection laws because they are providing a service.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, consumers are entitled to expect services to be carried out with reasonable care and skill. The legislation also provides rights to redress where services fall below the required standard.

Hair salons must also comply with general business regulations, including health and safety requirements, while some local authorities may impose additional rules through local byelaws.

What should you do if you get a bad haircut?

The House of Commons Library says the first step is to raise the issue directly with the salon that carried out the work.

Many complaints can be resolved by discussing the problem with the business, which may offer to correct the haircut or provide another form of compensation.

If an agreement cannot be reached, consumers may be able to use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service. ADR typically involves an independent mediator helping both parties reach a compromise without going to court.

However, neither the customer nor the salon is legally required to take part in ADR.

If all attempts to resolve the dispute fail, the final option is to pursue legal action through the courts using the rights available under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

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Actress Claire Sweeney, who plays Cassie Plummer in the ITV soap, has been seen enjoying the role she left to take on

Claire Sweeney has made an admission about her Coronation Street exit as she has been seen enjoying the role she left the long-running show to take on.

The actress made her debut in the ITV soap back in 2023 when she arrived as drug user Cassie Plummer, and was revealed to be the long-lost mum of Alan’s character, Tyrone Dobbs, and the estranged daughter of Evelyn.

After eventually getting herself straight, Cassie was seen settling into Weatherfield alongside her family and even got herself a love interest in Steve McDonald, much to the dismay of her sparring partner, Tracy Barlow.

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However, it was confirmed earlier in the summer that Claire would be departing Weatherfield, with her exit coming as she prepares to take on the role of Miss Hannigan in a tour of the musical, Annie.

While she continues to appear on-screen as Cassie’s exit plays out, Claire has long finished filming, and last week, the TV and theatre star was seen officially taking on the role of Miss Hannigan from Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix, who made her debut when the new tour got underway in Wimbledon on May 23.

Taking to Instagram ahead of her first performance, Claire posted a video to her Instagram Story as she practised one of her numbers in her hotel room. She later posted a picture of herself transformed into the iconic character and wrote on her Instagram page: “Miss Hannigan @anniemusicaluk first night.”

But back to Claire’s Corrie exit, and in her latest social media post, the soap star has shared a look at her interview about her departure and new role, which was headlined: “It feels like I’ve broken up with a boyfriend I’m still in love with!”

And fans were quick to respond. @instakilminsta said: “Really hope we’ll get to see Cassie back on Corrie again someday @claire.sweeney.” @andrewgtran commented: “I’ll miss your character. I love your rivalry with Tracy.” @alfielucy wrote: “Hopefully the doors been left open for Cassie’s to return.”

@chrisfossey5546 posted: “You’ve been terrific in Corrie. Sad to see you leave, but hopefully we will see you return at some point.” @elenarichards3499_ added: “Cassie has to come back to Corrie…. She’s a great character.”

As the UK continues to experience extreme heat this summer, the chance of seeing rats in your garden may be greater – but experts say a 36p product from Asda could help keep them away

Asda shoppers have been told to snap up a 36p product which could prove vital in stopping rats from entering their homes. Following record-breaking temperatures throughout the UK and with heatwaves continuing to define the summer, the likelihood of spotting rats in your garden may be higher.

This is because the severe heat has depleted many of their natural water sources, forcing them to abandon the security of drains, sewers, and other subterranean habitats to seek out new areas in their search for hydration and relief from the soaring temperatures. Our gardens are particularly attractive to rats during the summer months, due to readily available water sources and the possible access to food waste from barbecues and other outdoor dining.

The UK is home to two species of the animal – the brown rat, also called the common rat or the sewer rat, and the rarer black rat, occasionally known as the ship rat. Rat populations fluctuate considerably, but are thought to number anywhere from 10 million to over 100 million.

They’re highly adaptable creatures, and anyone averse to them may be disturbed to discover rats can fit through openings around the size of a £1 coin, or 20mm, enabling them to gain access to homes, sheds, and beyond.

Saif Derzi, founder of cash house buyers Property Buyers Today, said: “Homeowners should check for gaps around pipes and cables, damaged air bricks, cracks in walls and foundations, and broken drains or drainage systems. The biggest mistake people make is assuming rats need a large opening to get inside.”

Saif continued: “People tend to associate rat problems with autumn and winter, but summer is often when populations expand, and infestations begin. The first step is identifying and sealing potential entry points before rats can get inside.

“Small gaps around pipes and cables can often be sealed using wire wool, and a pack of three at Asda costs only £1.08, which comes out to 36p per piece.

“Cement or specialist expanding foam can also work, while damaged air bricks should be fitted with metal mesh covers that maintain ventilation while preventing access.”

Offering further guidance, Saif added: “Homeowners should also ensure bins are securely closed, remove potential food sources where possible, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. If you spot signs of rats, it’s important to act quickly.

“Common warning signs include droppings, scratching noises, gnaw marks, and damage to insulation, wiring and pipework.

“While preventative measures can help, homeowners dealing with an active infestation should seek professional pest control advice as soon as possible.

“DIY solutions often fail to tackle the root cause of the problem.”

The specialist emphasised the need to tackle a rat infestation promptly rather than ignoring it, as the animals can cause considerable structural damage “from chewed electrical wiring and damaged insulation, to compromised pipework.”

Saif warned: “In severe cases, infestations can also impact a property’s saleability. Mortgage lenders may require evidence that an infestation has been professionally treated before approving a loan, which can delay or complicate a sale.”

Set in a suburban America, Avni Doshi’s new novel centres around an unnamed protagonist who thinks her world and her sense of self are stable. She knows herself and all that is to come in her life. She’s followed the pre-determined path of being a wife and a mother. She believes she has a marriage that is forever and a house that is safe. Hers is an identity that has already been carved in stone – or so she thinks.

However, First House starts with the ending of her marriage, something she did not see coming despite clear issues. This ending also marks the beginning of something the protagonist could never have imagined: her unravelling.

In astrology, the first house is the sign of self, the centre of one’s identity. This is where we begin the journey to finding our place in the world, where we belong, and who we really are. It is in the first house that we meet Doshi’s unnamed protagonist, herself a practising astrologist.

When her husband decides to leave her, suddenly she must start all over again and carve a new life. With this comes the discovery of a new identity and persona. But she has to fall apart first to find who she really can be.

The second part of the novel is a reckoning with who she was, and what she has become. She is folded back into her Indian parent’s lives once again, and back into the family home. Here she realises that this first house, the house where she was born and grew up, shaped her immeasurably.

What really is a marriage? This is a question that haunts her. Is it the marriage of her parents? Is it her father’s indifference to her mother, and her mother’s insecurities and feelings of emptiness?

There is a familiarity in her descriptions of the way marriages become an obligation in certain cultures, where secrets roam silent in the chasm between a couple, where people stay together forever because they are expected to, and where love does not exist in the ravines of loneliness.

In such marriages so many children, much like Doshi’s protagonist, grow up with a vision of married life where love does not matter, believing they do not need to love in order to stay married. These children grow up not even understanding love.

Here “marriage is a solution” and intimacy is merely “living alongside another body”. When home lives do not offer safety, these children grow up looking to be rescued, seeking safety at any cost, and “in exchange for any sacrifice”.

Carving a new life

And, finally in part three of the book, we see the embryo of a new identity emerging.

There are many books about divorce, about the liberation and freedom of separation, about marriage as an anti-feminist establishment. But there are very few good books about the unravelling of a marriage and the disintegration of a mind; this is one of them.

First House is about a woman who believed it was forever, who was given this “dream” and held fast to it. This is a woman who did not learn how to trust her own instincts or know her own desires. And even when she did, she pushed them away, buried them somewhere where they wouldn’t prod her or remind her of their existence.

She is a mother who loves her children, but did not want to have children. A wife who wants to stay married but is increasingly irritated by her husband, and imagines him dead or absent so she can be alone. But despite this, she chooses to stay married, and to have children, to continue the pretences of the roles she so despises.

These are the paradoxes that make this novel so potent: a fever-dream interspersed with myths and legends, with stories of cicadas who mate and die, of the way we somehow manage to decimate the very core of our own identity. There is a suffocation in the words, enveloping the reader like the putrid fragrance of a summer evening, when the heat becomes unbearable and the skin too clammy to touch.

Doshi’s writing is visceral and haunting, with a paradoxical weightiness in message and lightness in delivery. This is a story of finding love, desire and connection with our own selves. It is also the story of a woman who has to go mad and retreat into a yellow wallpapered room to discover that she is most comfortable with the burdens of her own body and mind – even when she was forced to dismiss and abandon the cry of her own longing for herself. This short book is intense but makes for engrossing reading.

This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something, The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

During a visit today to a brewery in Dorset, the monarch spoke candidly about the nation’s heartbreak over last night’s World Cup defeat

The King spoke for the nation saying it was “a good day to drown a few sorrows” as he pulled a pint of beer following England’s heartbreaking defeat to Argentina. On a visit to a Dorset brewery today, Charles received an applause and cheers as the Queen helped him behind the bar at the Hall and Woodhouse brewery near Blandford Forum.

After being shown how to pull a pint by Toby Heasman, 50, the company’s head brewer, Charles was told to do it “a bit quicker”. As Camilla helped her husband, the King said: “We’ll have to do it again.”

Noticing the pint still wasn’t full he laughed and said, “and again”. The Queen said “No, you’re going to spill it!” After finishing the task of pulling a pint of 3.4% ‘Fursty Ferret’, the King received applause and cheers from the staff.

Lifting the nearly-full glass, the King smiled and said: “Maybe it’s a good day to drown a few sorrows.” His quip received a round of applause and a few laughs.

Earlier, the King and Queen unveiled a plaque to mark the family brewery’s 250th anniversary. Charles heard how the Hall and Woodhouse brewery, whose pubs include the Duchess of Cornwall Inn, which was opened by Camilla in 2016, is run by a family now in its 9th generation.

Meeting Anthony Woodhouse, 61, and his son Matt, 34 – seventh and eighth generation family members respectively – Charles said that it was “remarkable” that the brewery had stayed in the family.

Upon arrival, Charles and Camilla met representatives from Teddy Rocks, a music festival sponsored by the Hall and Woodhouse Badger Brewery which raises money for children’s cancer charities.

Tom Newton, 37, told the Queen that he founded the three-day music festival after the death of his younger brother, Ted, who died aged 10 in 2010 of a rare form of bone cancer: Ewing sarcoma.

The annual festival, held in May at a venue two miles from the brewery, began in 2011 when it raised £400. Now it has grown to a festival that welcomes 6,000 people a day across three days. This year it raised £185,000 with a total of more than £1million to date for five charities.

In the Maltings Room, Toby Heasman, the head brewer who has been with the company for 20 years, presented Charles with a bottle from a fresh batch of their 7% Coronation Ale, which was created for the 2023 Coronation.

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The Queen met Jill Meyerhoff, head of recruitment and apprenticeships and some apprentice chefs to hear about the company’s chef apprentice scheme.

Looking at the chicken dishes and pastries created by the chefs on the eight-month apprenticeship programme run by the brewery, Camilla said that it made her want to “tuck in”.

Charles and Camilla unveiled a 250th anniversary plaque and pulled a pint at the brewery which was founded in 1977 by Charles Hall, a Dorset farmer.

The Queen was given a posy of flowers as she left when she met some of the 9th generation of the family: Bowie Waterhouse-Clarke, 5, and his brothers River, 3, and 11-month-old Rudi.

Later, the King and Queen visited the historic Corn Exchange in Blandford Forum, a Georgian riverside market town on the banks of the River Stour.

The Grade I Listed building has recently undergone a significant renovation project including a newly-restored George II royal Coat of Arms, which was originally gifted to Blandford Forum Town Council in 1893 by Frank Blanchard.

In the Main Hall, the King and Queen were shown stalls showcasing the work of charities from across Dorset, including veteran and prison services, community and domestic abuse support, volunteers and faith, arts and education groups in the area.

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 12:55 on Thursday, 16th July, following reports of an RTC on the Antrim Road area, Belfast.

“NIAS tasked four Emergency Ambulances and four Paramedics to the incident.

“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, four patients were brought to Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast by Ambulance.”

The Argentina star on the receiving end of a slap from Jude Bellingham had goaded England‘s stars throughout their fiercely-contested World Cup semi-final clash. 

Valentin Barco, an unused substitute during Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 victory, was seen sprinting on to the field of play and taunting the Three Lions after Enzo Fernandez drew the reigning champions level in Atlanta.

Footage showed John Stones pushing Barco away in apparent frustration as England’s players waited for the lengthy celebrations to subside.

It has been reported that the Chelsea-bound star had been winding up the England bench for the entirety of the 90 minutes.

And the ill-feeling resurfaced at full-time. In the moments before the confrontation, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was seen appearing to goad Bellingham after the final whistle.

Then, the England midfielder appeared to slap the back of Barco’s head after the Argentinian appeared to aim a comment in his direction.

Barco went to hug a team-mate when he turned and appeared to say something, although it was unclear who his comment was directed towards or what was said. Moments later, Bellingham seemed to lose his composure, with the exchange culminating in him aiming a slap at the back of Barco’s head.

He was also at loggerheads with defender Nicolas Otamendi as other players tried to stop them

Bellingham appeared to slap Barco on the back of the head 

The full-back then turned around and pushed Bellingham with tempers flaring. Nicolas Otamendi also came over and gave the England man a shove.

Several Argentinian players attempted to act as peacemakers, but it looked as if Bellingham and Otamendi wanted more head-to-head action – even when they were separated.

Later, once Bellingham’s tempers had cooled, he was seen being comforted by family and friends.

Footage showed the Real Madrid star embracing his father, Mark Bellingham, and mother, Denise Bellingham, while wiping away tears. His close friend and England team-mate Morgan Rogers was also seen hugging his parents.

The 23-year-old was also spotted sitting alongside his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, 28, appearing visibly downcast by the afternoon’s events.

Meanwhile, there have been calls for Argentina to face disciplinary action from FIFA, after the players held aloft a banner after the match that read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ or ‘the Falklands are Argentine’.

Despite FIFA’s ban on political flags, Tottenham captain Romero, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and ex-Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso celebrated with the controversial sign after the final whistle.

Captain and star player Lionel Messi was also seen dancing alongside the banner.

Footage showed the Real Madrid star embracing his father, Mark Bellingham, while wiping away tears

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Bellingham was spotted sitting alongside his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, 28, appearing visibly downcast by the afternoon’s events

FIFA has yet to comment, but the governing body is under huge pressure to punish Argentina for flouting its rules. Manchester United and Spurs are being urged to punish Romero and Martinez.

Twelve years ago, the team carried the same banner at an international friendly and was fined just £20,000.

But there are growing calls for the players who carried the banner at a match of such magnitude – watched by an estimated 950million people worldwide – to face tougher sanctions.

A total of 255 British servicemen were among the 907 people who died in the 1982 Falklands War, which saw UK armed forces retake the islands after an Argentine invasion.

Britain first landed on the uninhabited islands in 1690 and claimed them for the Crown in 1765. It has maintained a permanent presence there since 1833 – 47 years before Argentina became a fully unified state following its declaration of independence from Spain in 1816.

The last official referendum of Falkland Islanders was held in 2013, when 99.8 per cent of voters chose to remain a British Overseas Territory.

The offensive banner made a terrible night even worse for England. The team were leading 1-0 with just five minutes remaining before Messi’s men fought back to win.

Thomas Tuchel is facing calls to be sacked over his tactical decisions and defensive substitutions as England stood on the verge of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.

The German manager insisted after the game that he had ‘no regrets’, but pundits and fans have turned on him after his team surrendered the lead when he took off speedy goalscorer Anthony Gordon and replaced the winger with defender Ezri Konsa.

Tuchel then took off Declan Rice for Nico O’Reilly and Reece James for Dan Burn in a further retreat ten minutes later. Enzo Fernandez equalised with five minutes left and Lautaro Martinez won it for Argentina in stoppage time.

There have been calls for Argentina to face disciplinary action from FIFA, after the players held aloft a banner that read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ or ‘the Falklands are Argentine’

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Bellingham, who enjoyed a brilliant tournament, appeared pained at that. In seeming frustration at Jordan Pickford, who produced a number of impressive saves, he looked to the sky, stretched out his arms, and appeared to say: ‘It’s in the middle of the goal.’

Tuchel concluded to BBC Sport: ‘We’re disappointed, we were so close but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances.

‘We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots. We were close but couldn’t keep the level up after we scored.

‘Of course we wanted to go for the second goal but I did not have the feeling that offensive substitutions would help. We stayed in our 4-4-2 but we became passive, more and more passive.

‘We couldn’t win any balls, we couldn’t keep the ball so I think it was not a structural problem, we changed nothing. But the match changed completely.’

Harry Kane said: ‘I’m gutted for the boys, the team, the staff, the fans. We played a good game for the vast majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to try and hold on. At this level that’s not enough. Just gutted as we worked so hard to be here and the boys gave every last bit of sweat, blood, and tears.

‘We struggled to get pressure on the ball. First half, start of second half, we pressed well and put them under pressure. After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man-for-man, it was wave after wave. Lads were putting blocks in but it wasn’t enough.

‘The boys are ready for any moment. When we went ahead, the messaging was to go again and get another goal. Once they scored their two goals, it was to try and find something but we couldn’t get the momentum.

‘We had a lot of good moments in this tournament, a lot of good games. We’re close, we just need to find that missing piece in the final stage of the tournament. These tournaments take it out of you, so much effort and pressure and mentality. We’re missing that final piece.’

Dan Burn added: ‘Absolutely gutted. I thought we had the gameplan pretty well for the majority of it. But obviously, when we scored, we went a bit passive and dropped off and were ultimately punished for it.

‘We probably conceded too many chances and if you do that, they are going to get goals. Disappointing from us. We have defended games better and seen them out. When you get that close to the World Cup final, that hurts.’

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“The protocols and the powers of all state bodies involved in the death of a child must be thoroughly reviewed, updated, and critically, harmonised across all agencies so that every single piece of evidence, in particular, relevant social media data, is preserved and available to the coroner from the earliest opportunity.”