Nigel Farage faces 34 candidates in Clacton by-election

A special by-election is taking place in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, following the resignation of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Farage triggered the vote to seek a new mandate and address parliamentary scrutiny regarding his finances, specifically a £5 million undisclosed gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne. Farage has framed the election as a contest between “the people” and “the establishment.”

Major political parties, including Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens, have boycotted the election, labeling it a “farce.” This has resulted in a record-breaking field of 34 candidates, many of whom are independents or satirical figures. The ballot paper is expected to be nearly one meter long.

Among the most prominent challengers is Count Binface, a satirical candidate portrayed by comedian Jon Harvey, who wears a garbage can on his head. While Farage remains the heavy favorite in most polls with support exceeding 70%, the election has drawn significant media attention due to its unusual composition and the political controversy surrounding Farage’s financial disclosures.