Farage on track from Clacton pier to a parliament pulpit

Reform canvassers tap into fertile territory with populist policies and leader's blend of bluster and charisma

The historic pier at Clacton-on-Sea promotes water slides, arcades and variety shows, but it is the town's political drama that will be entertaining a nation on Thursday night, with Nigel Farage hoping to secure his first seat in Westminster.

As visitors descended on the town's wide golden sands in bright sunshine on Saturday, young and old campaigners filed out of the offices of the Reform party, near an amusement arcade sign stating welcome to the smile factory", to distribute leaflets.