Clacton by-election presents opportunity to challenge Brexit narrative, claims Rejoin the EU candidate
The Clacton by-election has emerged as a pivotal moment, with former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) John Stevens asserting that it represents a chance to “put Brexit back on the political agenda” and compel major parties to reconsider rejoining the EU, reports BritPanorama.
Stevens, who is vying for a seat as the candidate from the Rejoin the EU Party, criticized the media’s framing of the election as a frivolous contest between Nigel Farage and comedic candidate Count Binface. He warned that such portrayals undermine the seriousness of issues facing constituents in the Essex town.
“This is not a joke election from the perspective of people in Clacton,” Stevens expressed, referencing what he describes as a dismissive attitude towards local voters’ concerns. “The Binface saga is going down like a lead balloon. People feel they are the butt of an inside Westminster joke.”
Stevens noted a notable shift in sentiment among voters in Clacton, particularly younger demographics and women, who appear increasingly open to the idea of rejoining the EU, despite the constituency’s historical support for Leave in the 2016 referendum.
He outlined a challenge posed by Farage, stating, “He wants North Korean levels of support” of 95 per cent or more in an election that mainstream parties are largely avoiding. As a former Conservative MEP, Stevens framed this by-election as not simply a face-off between Binface and Farage but as a significant opportunity to register an anti-Brexit vote that could severely impact Farage’s influence.
Stevens disagreed with the notion that a strong performance by an anti-Brexit candidate could merely result in humiliation by comedic competitors. “If he gets a significant anti-Brexit vote… that is far more damaging to him and to the Reform cause than simply being humiliated by a dustbin,” he argued.
While acknowledging Clacton’s unwavering 70 per cent Leave vote, Stevens contended that the by-election serves a dual purpose: challenging Farage and galvanizing the pro-European movement. “I hope the main parties will be emboldened to put rejoining back on the table,” he stated.
The candidate’s grassroots campaign has met with a fair amount of receptiveness. Stevens recounted interactions with local residents expressing disillusionment with Brexit. “Quite a few people say ‘no, well, Brexit hasn’t worked,’ or ‘I was against it,’ particularly many women more than men,” he noted.
In his view, younger families in newer developments are particularly sceptical about Brexit, underscoring the election’s potential to foster dialogue on an issue many believe has been sidelined. “Not even Nigel Farage wants to talk about Brexit,” he said, framing the by-election as an opportunity to bring the topic forefront.
Stevens also reflected on Labour’s stance, claiming that many backbenchers are supportive of rejoining the EU, despite party leadership’s cautious positioning. He emphasized a need for former Remainers to acknowledge their roles in the Brexit outcome, advocating for a reconciliatory approach rather than adversarial narratives.
“We all made a mistake and we’re all going to correct it together,” he concluded, suggesting that moving forward requires collective accountability rather than divisive finger-pointing.
