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.
The Reform UK leader announced he was quitting as an MP as questions mounted over his personal finances.
But shortly after 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 will be held on Thursday 13 August, with the result expected in the early hours of Friday morning.
Reform had originally hoped the vote would be held on 6 August but Tendring District Council announced the date would be a week later.
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.”
Laurence Fox
The Reclaim Party was set up by Laurence 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
John Stevens is running for 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”.
The party is fielding three candidates - Nick the Incredible Flying Brick, Baron Von Thunderclap and Howling Laud Hope. The party pledges to ban intergalatic interference in UK elections and renaming Clacton on Sea to Eric.
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.
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.
Joseph 77 (Tom Darwood)
Retired carpenter Joseph 77 is running on a platform to “unify the country with a purpose” by campaigning purely in song and verse.
Tony Cane
Independent candidate Tony Cane hopes to speak up for local residents and challenge the major political parties.
Woke Trump Carrzee
Woke Trump Carrzee, also an Independent, says he will improve Clacton’s travel infrastructure and increase visible policing.
William Stuart James Clouston
Social Democratic Party candidate William Stuart James Clouston is hoping to offer a “credible alternative to Reform” and wants to tackle mass migration.
Rees Cowne
Rees Cowne is an Independent running on a platform of local issues including safer streets and cleaner water and beaches in Clacton.
Glenn Charles Cummings
Also an Independent, Glenn Charles Cummings has not provided any further information.
Martin Davies
Martin Davies from the Freedom Alliance is running on a pro-democracy slate including “freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression”.
Andy Erlam
Independent candidate Andy Erlam is promising to move to the constituency and set up regular surgeries if he is elected.
Attieh Fard
Also running as an Independent, Attieh Fard hopes to take on local issues like anti-social behaviour and give Clacton better roads.
Tony Francis
Tony Francis, who is running as an Independent, wants to give voters an alternative to Nigel Farage and describes himself as a “genuinely local choice”.
Robin Green
Independent Robin Green hopes to “put the brakes on AI, unseat Farage, and support common sense moderation”.
Abi Hookway
Independent candidate Abi Hookway wants to back small business owners and make financial education mainstream.
Stephen Richard Ingram
Independent candidate Stephen Richard Ingram has not provided any further information.
Amy Morris
Another Independent, Amy Morris wants to abolish inheritance tax.
Derrick Norbert Morris
Independent candidate Derrick Norbert Morris wants to “stop the boats” and give Clacton better buses.
Michael Noel O'Keeffe
Also an Independent, Michael Noel O'Keeffe wants to fight for a thriving town centre and local shops.
Martyn Obrien
Another Independent, Martyn Obrien wants better healthcare and disability support in Clacton.
Nick Pelas
Nick Pelas is running as an Independent and wants to boost the high street and build job opportunities.
Ketankumar Pipaliya
Ketankumar Pipaliya from UK Voice is running on a slate for safer streets, stronger public services, support for local businesses, and more opportunities for young people.
Daniel Pocock
Independent candidate Daniel Pocock is concerned about media issues.
James Ransley
James Ransley is running for Consensus and hopes to “get on with the day to day work of being a constituency MP”.
Gerry Smith
Independent candidate Gerry Smith wants more support for care leavers.
Pamela Walford
Pamela Walford is running as an Independent candidate.
Marcus White
Marcus White is the candidate for the Everyone is God Party.
Marc Wilkinson
Marc Wilkinson is hoping to establish the Essex People party if there is a second by-election.
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