Clacton by-election framed as chance to revive EU re‑entry debate

The upcoming Clacton constituency by‑election is being used by former Conservative MEP John Stevens, who is standing for the Rejoin the EU Party, to push the issue of the United Kingdom re‑joining the European Union back onto the political agenda. Stevens argues that voters in the Essex seat are tired of the media portraying the contest as a joke between Nigel Farage and comedian Count Binface and says, “This is not a joke election from the perspective of people in Clacton.”

He points to changing attitudes among younger residents and women, noting that many now question whether Brexit has delivered benefits. Although Clacton voted 70% for Leave in 2016 and Essex as a whole 62%, Stevens hopes an anti‑Brexit vote could damage Farage’s standing. He also claims Farage is seeking “North Korean levels of support” of 95% in the race, and says a strong anti‑Brexit showing would embolden mainstream parties to consider a re‑entry agenda.