Nigel Farage’s by-election in Clacton is set to be boycotted by most major parties, after the Reform UK leader was accused of using the vote as a distraction.
The Reform UK leader announced he was quitting as an MP as questions mounted over his personal finances.
The Labour Party, the Tories, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Restore Britain have all said they will not stand candidates in the by-election, leaving independent candidates and Count Binface to contest the vote.
Mr Farage was already being investigated by the Commons standards watchdog over an undeclared £5m gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne before he entered parliament, and he appeared to confirm he faced another probe over security for him 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 finishes investigating him.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “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.”
The Clacton by-election “shouldn’t be happening”, home secretary Yvette Cooper said, as she described it as Mr Farage’s “political tantrum”.
When is the by-election?
The by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s decision to quit as an MP and fight to reclaim his seat will be held on 13 August.
Reform had originally hoped the vote would be held on 6 August but Tendring District Council announced the date would be a week later.
Potential candidates can submit their nominations from 14-17 July, and residents of the Essex constituency not already on the electoral register have until 28 July to apply for a vote.
Acting returning officer Ian Davidson said: “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, so anyone who wants to vote in the upcoming by-election should make sure they can by registering in time.
“You can register to vote online, or you can contact our team, who will be happy to help you.
“I would also encourage people to check now that they have valid ID to enable them to vote at a polling station; and if they do not, then to apply for the free alternative Voter Authority Certificate.
“We want to make sure that everyone is still able to cast their vote next month.”
Who is actually standing?
Count Binface
This satirical party is the creation of comedian Jonathan David Harvey.
As Binface, Mr Harvey stood as a candidate in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency at the 2019 general election, against the then-prime minister, Boris Johnson, and again at the 2023 by-election that followed Johnson’s resignation.
He also stood in the London mayoral elections of 2021 and 2024, and stood against Rishi Sunak in his Richmond and Northallerton constituency in the 2024 general election.
Now he will be standing against Mr Farage.
He wrote 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.
“Nigel Farage says he wants The People versus the Establishment. So be it. Leave him to me.”
Lawrence Fox
The Reclaim Party was set up by Lawrence Fox in October 2020 following an appearance on the BBC’s Question Time earlier that year, which the actor said resulted in him being “cancelled from a 21-year acting career”.
According to its website, the party exists to challenge “woke orthodoxy” and promote “freedom of speech”, which it views as being “under grave peril”.
Reclaim has been dubbed the “Ukip for culture” and is strongly associated with the “culture wars”.
Fox announced on X that he intends to stand in the Clacton by-election, saying: “We’re coming because we respect the voters of Clacton and also to elevate the Fight on the Right.”
Rejoin EU
The Rejoin EU Party was also founded in 2020. In May 2021, the party received 100,000 votes in the London mayoral election. Richard Moreley is the current leader of the party.
Monster Raving Loony Party
The satirical group known for its nonsensical policies said it would take on Mr Farage.
The group was formed in 1982 by co-founders “Screaming Lord Sutch” and current leader “Howling Laud Hope”.
In a post online, the party said: “Our preparations are NOW being made for the #ClactonByElection“.
The party stood in the Makerfield by-election, with a manifesto comprising pledges such as helping with the cost of living by removing VAT because “it adds no value”, and allowing every UK voter to be prime minister for “15 minutes in their lifetime”.
Piers Corbyn
Piers Corbyn announced he is standing in the Clacton by-election in a declaration speech on Parliament Square, which was filmed and posted online.
“The nearest thing to a general election is this by-election happening now in Clacton,” he said. “That gives us the chance to raise issues which we couldn’t otherwise raise.”
Mr Corbyn, Jeremy Corbyn’s older brother, said he will be standing “to win”.
Adham Alkhatip
Forward Party leader Adham Alkhatip will be running against Nigel Farage, he has announced.
Mr Alkhatip announced his candidacy on TikTok, saying he will run on an “anti-corruption, pro-worker” platform.
Rob Pownall
Wildlife campaigner Rob Pownall has said he intends to stand in the Clacton by-election.
Keen observers may remember Mr Pownall from the recent Makerfield by-election, where he dressed as a fox and held a sign saying “protect British wildlife”.
Kai Stephens
Kai Stephens is running for the British Democrats. The party was formed as a splinter of the far-right British National Party (BNP) in 2011 and officially launched in 2013.
Luke Worley
Former Married at First Sight contestant Luke Worley has announced he will run as an independent candidate. In a social media post, he said he wants to improve Clacton’s roads and high street and support independent businesses.
Amelia Randall
Kent County councillor and clairvoyant Amelia Randall is running for the Balanced Britain Party, which she founded. She was elected as a Reform UK councillor in Thanet before leaving the party last year for unknown reasons.
Ollie Granger
Local father and television professional Ollie Granger is seeking the nominations to enter the race, according to media reports.
He told the Clacton Gazette his campaign priorities include tackling crime, creating jobs, backing farmers, and investing in tourism.
Read MoreFarage and the trap of boo-hoo theatrics – history tells us it won’t end well
Ann Widdecombe death: Ex-Tory minister and firebrand TV personality dies aged 78
Tice claims ‘politically motivated smear’ amid scrutiny of Reform UK finances
The surprisingly moving story behind Count Binface, the man taking on Farage
Nick Clegg: Brexit was a ‘punch in the face’ for Britain
Burnham’s Labour will ‘wear our hearts on our sleeve ’, says ally in swipe at Starmer
