Polls have closed in the Clacton by-election, triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation as MP, with voters choosing among 34 candidates. The count is underway in the Essex constituency, which includes areas such as Jaywick, Frinton, Walton-on-the-Naze, and rural villages like St Osyth, Weeley, and Great Bentley.
Farage's Resignation Sparks Unusual Contest
The by-election came about after Reform UK leader Farage quit as an MP to fight a "people versus the establishment" campaign in his Essex constituency. However, the move backfired when no other major parties entered the race, leaving the field open to a diverse range of independents and smaller parties.
Among the candidates is Count Binface, a satirical figure known for wearing a bin on his head, who stood for the Count Binface Party. The contest has been described as "pure, unadulterated madness," with voters heading to 51 polling stations across the coastal hub.
Full List of Candidates
The 34 candidates on the ballot paper included Joseph 77 (Independent), Adham Alkhatip (The Forward Party), Count Binface (Count Binface Party), Nick The Incredible Flying Brick (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party), Tony Cane (Independent), Woke Trump Carrzee (Independent), William Stuart James Clouston (Social Democratic Party), Rees Cowne (Independent), Glenn Charles Cummings (Independent), Martin Davies (Freedom Alliance – Real People, Real Alternative!), Andy Erlam (Independent), Nigel Farage (Reform UK), Attieh Fard (Independent), Laurence Fox (The Reclaim Party), Tony Francis (Independent), Robin Green (Independent), Abi Hookway (Independent), Howling Laud Hope (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party), Stephen Richard Ingram (Independent), Amy Morris (Independent), Derrick Norbert Morris (Independent), Michael Noel O'Keeffe (Independent), Martyn O'Brien (Independent), Nick Pelas (Independent), Ketankumar Pipaliya (UK VOICE safer and stronger UK), Daniel Pocock (Independent), James Ransley (Consensus Party Candidate), Gerry Smith (Independent), Kai Stephens (British Democrats), John Stevens (Rejoin EU), Baron Von Thunderclap (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party), Pamela Walford (Independent), Marcus White (Everyone is God Party), and Ashley Pemberton.
Awaiting the Result
Voters across the constituency have had their say, and the result will determine who represents Clacton in Parliament. The outcome is expected to be announced after the count, with the new MP set to be confirmed shortly.
