Farage's absence and changing explanations

Nigel Farage has comfortably won back his Clacton seat but with the investigation into his finances now back on, what, if anything, has been gained by this by-election gamble? And with the Reform UK leader absenting himself from the count, and his ratings falling, we ask whether the party is losing momentum. Plus, just weeks into being prime minister, Andy Burnham is facing his first challenges. Can he keep on the front foot with his cost of living drive and tour of the nation? Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political editor George Parker and political correspondent Anna Gross.

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Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; Anna, @AnnaSophieGross and George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social;

Want more?  

Investigation into Nigel Farage resumes after he wins Clacton by-election

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Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson and Persis Love. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. Flo Phillips is the FT’s head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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