Voters heading to the polls this week in Nigel Farage’s by-election in Clacton will have a record number of candidates to choose from – but will not be able to vote for most major parties, reports BritPanorama.
The Reform UK leader announced he was quitting as an MP as questions mounted over his personal finances. Shortly thereafter, the Labour Party, the Tories, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Restore Britain all declared they would not stand candidates in the by-election, leaving independent candidates and Count Binface to contest the vote.
Mr Farage was already under scrutiny from the Commons standards watchdog regarding an undeclared £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne before entering parliament. He also appeared to confirm he faced further investigation over security funded by convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called for the government to block Mr Farage’s resignation until the Standards Commissioner concludes their investigation. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated: “We will not be standing a candidate in the fake by-election that Farage is causing to distract people from what is happening. We need to let that investigation run its course.” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the Clacton by-election as Mr Farage’s “political tantrum.”
When is the by-election?
The by-election will be held on Thursday 13 August, with results anticipated in the early hours of Friday morning. Reform had originally hoped for a vote on 6 August, but the Tendring District Council announced a revised date.
Acting returning officer Ian Davidson remarked, “The electoral timetable is set out by law and so we are bound by these dates. If residents want to have their democratic say, then they must be registered.” Davidson advised voters to ensure they have valid ID for polling stations and to apply for the free alternative Voter Authority Certificate if needed.
Who is actually standing?
Count Binface
This satirical party, created by comedian Jonathan David Harvey, recently contested the Makerfield by-election. He declared on X, “Labour, Tories, Lib Dems and Greens: I demand you stand down in Clacton. I will be a unity candidate and pledge to build at least one affordable house.”
Laurence Fox
The Reclaim Party, founded by Laurence Fox, aims to challenge “woke orthodoxy” and promote “freedom of speech.” He announced on X, “We’re coming because we respect the voters of Clacton and also to elevate the Fight on the Right.”
Rejoin EU
John Stevens is running for the Rejoin EU Party, which aims to reverse Brexit.
Monster Raving Loony Party
With a quirky manifesto, this group will field three candidates, promising to tackle outlandish issues such as intergalactic interference in UK elections.
Piers Corbyn
In a recent announcement, Piers Corbyn, Jeremy Corbyn’s brother, declared his candidacy in the Clacton by-election to raise issues not typically addressed.
Adham Alkhatip
Forward Party leader Adham Alkhatip, campaigner for anti-corruption, has also announced his candidacy on TikTok.
Kai Stephens
Running for the British Democrats, a splinter group of the far-right British National Party, Kai Stephens has declared his intention to contest the by-election.
Joseph 77 (Tom Darwood)
Running on a platform of musical campaigning, retired carpenter Joseph 77 aims to create a “purposeful” unification.
Tony Cane
Independent candidate Tony Cane hopes to advocate for local residents and challenge major parties.
Woke Trump Carrzee
Also an Independent, Woke Trump Carrzee plans to improve Clacton’s travel infrastructure and policing.
William Stuart James Clouston
Social Democratic Party candidate William Stuart James Clouston offers a “credible alternative to Reform” by focusing on mass migration.
Rees Cowne
Running on local concerns, Independent candidate Rees Cowne aims to address street safety and environmental issues.
Glenn Charles Cummings
Also Independent, Glenn Charles Cummings has not yet disclosed specific campaign points.
Martin Davies
From the Freedom Alliance, Martin Davies campaigns for pro-democracy issues including rights to free speech and movement.
Andy Erlam
Independent candidate Andy Erlam promises to establish regular outreach efforts should he be elected.
Attieh Fard
An Independent, Attieh Fard seeks to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve local infrastructure.
Tony Francis
Another Independent, Tony Francis aims to provide a genuine local alternative to Mr Farage.
Robin Green
Independent candidate Robin Green hopes to advocate against AI while supporting moderation.
Abi Hookway
As an Independent, Abi Hookway would support local businesses and promote financial education.
Stephen Richard Ingram
Independent Stephen Richard Ingram has offered limited information about his campaign.
Amy Morris
Another Independent, Amy Morris plans to abolish inheritance tax.
Derrick Norbert Morris
Derrick Norbert Morris seeks to address immigration and public transport issues.
Michael Noel O’Keeffe
Also an Independent, he aims to promote local businesses and enhance the town centre.
Martyn Obrien
Another Independent candidate, Martyn Obrien, focuses on healthcare and disability support.
Nick Pelas
An Independent, Nick Pelas emphasizes job opportunities and high street vitality.
Ketankumar Pipaliya
From UK Voice, he aims to strengthen community services and engage youth.
Daniel Pocock
Also Independent, Daniel Pocock raises concerns regarding media practices.
James Ransley
Running for Consensus, James Ransley intends to focus on constituency matters.
Gerry Smith
Independent candidate Gerry Smith advocates for enhanced support for care leavers.
Pamela Walford
Pamela Walford is also running as an Independent.
Marcus White
Marcus White represents the Everyone is God Party in the by-election.
Marc Wilkinson
Marc Wilkinson, proposing the Essex People party framework, is prepared for a potential second by-election.
