The Clacton by-election has drawn 34 candidates, making the Clacton by-election one of the largest contests of its kind in modern times. The vote in the Essex seat was set in motion by Nigel Farage’s resignation as the local MP, and voters are due to go to the polls on 13 August.
Farage, the Reform UK leader, stepped down on 7 July after growing scrutiny over his finances and a parliamentary investigation, but he is standing again in the same seat. According to Tendring District Council, the number of hopefuls is thought to be the highest ever for a by-election in modern times. The previous benchmark is understood to have been 26 candidates at the Haltemprice and Howden by-election in July 2008.
The Clacton by-election list includes 20 independents and several joke candidates, among them three from the Monster Raving Loony party. Count Binface and actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox are also among the better-known names in the field. A full Statement of Persons Nominated has been posted outside Clacton Town Hall and published on the district council’s website.
