Clacton By-election: Record 34 Candidates As Nigel Farage Seeks Re-election Amid Paused Inquiry

A record 34 candidates have put themselves forward for the Clacton by-election, despite the main Westminster parties opting not to stand against Reform UK. Polling day is Thursday 13 August. The BBC is still attempting to verify details for a number of entrants.

Overview

The by-election was triggered when Nigel Farage, who won the Clacton seat in 2024, resigned to force a fresh contest. He is standing again while a Parliamentary Standards Commissioner investigation into one donation has been paused for the duration of the by-election. Farage denies any wrongdoing and is asking voters for their support.

Notable Candidates (Selected Alphabetical Listings)

Below are summaries of several candidates who have attracted attention. The BBC continues to seek more information about some entrants.

• Adham Alkhatip — An engineering student at Queen Mary University of London and former hospital housekeeping assistant. Announced his candidacy on TikTok, promising an "anti-corruption, pro-worker" platform.
• Count Binface (Jon Harvey) — Comedian and author who frequently stands in elections in a silver dustbin costume. Policies include abolishing the House of Lords, banning noisy snacks in cinemas and scrapping VAR in football. He says he hopes to appeal to disillusioned voters.
• Nick the Incredible Flying Brick — One of three Monster Raving Loony Party candidates. Party pledges for Clacton include renaming the town "Eric", reducing by-elections to free up police resources, and awarding a "Clacton Peer" a House of Lords seat.
• William Clouston — Leader of the Social Democratic Party. He criticised major parties for boycotting the election and said Clacton deserves a real choice. The party's platform includes ending mass migration and withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights and the Refugee Convention.
• Rees Cowne — Runs a talent management company, builds digital games and plays guitar. Says he does not want a Westminster career but seeks to "build a fair, powerful and economically serious Britain," campaigning locally on high street recovery, mental health access and beach protection.
• Davies — Leader of the Freedom Alliance, which promotes individual liberty, accountable government and strong local communities (details from the party website).
• Laurence Fox — Actor and political activist who founded the Reclaim Party in 2020. The party emphasises patriotism, border protection and support for working-class communities. Fox says Clacton is "his back yard" and aims to provide a right-of-centre voice.
• Abi Hookway — From Doncaster; overcame personal debt to become a single mother and property investor. She plans to focus on cost of living, housing, community safety and restoring trust in public life.
• Howling Laud Hope — Another Monster Raving Loony Party candidate. See the party entry for Nick the Incredible Flying Brick for their Clacton platform.
• Unnamed 22-year-old (Essex) — An insurance worker standing for the first time to protest what she describes as a "draconian and unfair" inheritance tax.
• Morris — Believed to have founded the New Martin Lutheran Movement, based in nearby Dovercourt (limited public information).
• Pelas — Works in health and social care and has lived in Clacton for more than 10 years. Says she will campaign to boost the high street and create local job opportunities.
• Pipaliya — Leader of the UKVoice Party, which promotes "practical, honest leadership without ideological extremes or empty promises." Says he wants to be a strong local voice rather than build a Westminster career.
• Pocock — A software engineer who highlights his work on technology ethics, online child safety, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and cybersecurity.
• Kai Stephens — A 21-year-old from Norwich who says his party is the only serious, patriotic and "NATIONALIST" option; the party traces its origins to former BNP members (2011).
• John Stevens — Deputy leader of the Rejoin EU Party and a former Conservative MEP. He argues that leaving the EU was a historic mistake that continues to cause harm to the UK.
• The Baron — The third Monster Raving Loony Party candidate; see that party's entry for platform details.

Many other independents and small-party candidates are also standing, bringing the total to a record 34. Several focus on local issues such as high street recovery, jobs, housing, community safety and tax policies.

What To Watch

Key developments to follow before polling day include any updates to the Parliamentary Standards inquiry, last-minute candidate confirmations or withdrawals, and how local issues and national narratives influence turnout. Polling is scheduled for Thursday 13 August.

For readers seeking more details or to follow updates, the BBC and local Essex outlets are continuing coverage.