Clacton By-Election Candidates Announced
Nine candidates have declared their intention to contest the Clacton by-election, despite the main Westminster parties choosing not to stand against Reform UK.
Below is the full list of candidates known so far, presented in alphabetical order.
Alkhatip
An engineering student at London University who previously worked as a housekeeping assistant at a hospital in Birmingham. He announced his candidacy on TikTok, stating he would run on an "anti-corruption, pro-worker platform".
Count Binface
Real name Jon Harvey, Count Binface is a comedian and author who frequently participates in elections and by-elections, always appearing in a silver dustbin costume. He aims to appeal to disillusioned voters. His policies include abolishing the House of Lords, banning the eating of noisy snacks in cinemas, and scrapping VAR in football.
Piers Corbyn
Brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, he announced his candidacy on his website and outlined his campaign priorities as stopping British involvement in wars abroad, ending compulsory vaccinations, halting net zero targets, and scrapping digital ID.
Nigel Farage
Farage was elected MP for Clacton in 2024 but resigned to trigger this by-election. He is seeking public support following allegations that he did not properly declare donations from two businessmen. A Parliamentary Standards Commissioner investigation into one of the donations has been suspended during the by-election. Farage maintains his innocence.
Gavin Clarkson
The actor and political activist founded the Reclaim Party in 2020. According to its website, the party stands for patriotism, protecting Britain's borders, and supporting working-class communities. Clarkson, who lives near West Mersea in Essex, said on social media that "Clacton is my back yard" and that "someone is going to have to provide a voice on the right".
Mark Crouch
A broadcasting and media professional from Colchester, Crouch has no political background or party machinery. In a Facebook post, he stated he would campaign for increased policing in Clacton, more investment in jobs, and support for farming and tourism.
Fox
A wildlife campaigner and founder of Protect the Wild, known for often dressing in a fox costume. He told the Metro newspaper that he intends to use the by-election to "give British wildlife a voice" and campaign against trail-hunting.
"I would use the by-election to 'give British wildlife a voice' and campaign against trail-hunting."
Kai Stephens - British Democrats
Stephens, aged 21 and from Norwich, posted on X that the far-right British Democrats party is the only one that is serious, patriotic, and "most importantly NATIONALIST". The party was founded in 2011 by former members of the BNP.
Tommy Worley
A Clacton resident who gained brief attention after appearing on the TV show Married at First Sight UK before being removed following an altercation with another contestant. On Instagram, he expressed his desire to improve roads in Clacton and make life more affordable for local families.
"I want to improve roads in the town and make life more affordable for local families."
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More on the Clacton By-Election
- Farage's by-election in Clacton officially confirmed
- Farage denies stunt as Reform proposes August by-election date
- What do Farage's constituents think about his resignation?
