Clacton voters go to the polls tomorrow in an unusual by-election triggered by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigning his seat to run again. All major parties opted out, leaving Farage to face 33 independent, novelty, and minor party candidates.
Metro contacted every candidate with the same 10 questions about Clacton and national issues. Fifteen responded, offering a mix of serious policy pledges, local concerns, and eccentric proposals.
Count Binface – Count Binface Party
Count Binface promised to turn up, listen to residents, and boost Clacton's global fame. He pledged to campaign for affordable 99 Flakes and fairer arcade grabber machines. He identified deprivation, social care, and infrastructure as key local issues.
He said of PM Andy Burnham: "It's early days, but the new PM already seems to have a bit more about him than the last chap, whose name escapes me." He claimed Burnham is aware of his policies, including renaming HS2 'FFS1'.
His manifesto includes spending more time in Clacton than Washington DC, building at least one affordable house, nationalising Adele, and requiring oil and gas companies to pay for solar panels. He recommended fish and chips at the Hook of Clacton and the pier for a night out.
William Clouston – Social Democratic Party
Clouston argued the SDP is the only national party with a developed platform standing against Reform. He cited border control, national pride, and state investment as key positions. He said Clacton suffers from underinvestment in public realm, poor connectivity, and inconsistent social care.
He criticised Burnham for vague platitudes, and attacked Labour's record on migration and debt. He claimed net migration since 1997 stands at 9.5 million, and public sector net debt has risen from 36% of GDP in 2007 to 95% in 2025.
He proposed a National Care Service, and named Mangiare Ristorante in Frinton and the Old Lifeboat House pub as favourite spots. He said he would tell Trump to control his ego, and his dream role would be PM, or Housing Minister in a coalition.
Nigel Farage – Reform UK
Farage answered only four of the ten questions. He said representing Clacton since 2024 has been a privilege, and that the political establishment forced the by-election. He promised to be accountable, take on Westminster, and fight for "broken Britain".
His campaign slogan is "People versus Establishment". He pledged to deploy the Royal Navy to stop Channel crossings, detain and deport illegal migrants, cut taxes, and scrap energy policies that raise bills. He also promised mandatory prison sentences for employing illegals and zero business rates for pubs.
He said the breakdown in law and order is a key issue, and Reform would be the toughest party on crime.
Independent candidates
Attieh Fard, an independent, highlighted safety, potholes, and the economy. She said one police officer works 60-70 hours a week, and she has written to the PM and is leading a petition on road funding. She proposed a bill to change the road funding formula, and defended single-sex female spaces.
Tony Francis, a Christian independent, cited health access, homelessness, and addiction as issues. He said he would judge Burnham on results, and criticised "No 10 North" as divisive. He recommended Seabreeze café and The Cherry Tree at Great Oakley.
Robin Green, an independent, focused on GP waiting times, NHS investment, and AI rules. Joseph 77 proposed a "Clacton Culture Campus" to tackle unemployment. Derrick Norbert Morris, calling himself the "Modern Father of America", promised 2 million jobs for youth and a 1000+ bed hospital in Essex.
Martyn O'Brien highlighted elderly care and transport, and said Burnham is "a rebrand, like the Tories." Nick Pelas, a 12-year resident, wants to open closed shops and make Clacton a year-round destination. Daniel Pocock, an engineer, cited mobile blackspots and proposed a tramway between Clacton and Jaywick.
Novelty and other candidates
Nick the Incredible Flying Brick offered to be Clacton FC mascot and move Parliament to St Osyth Naturist Beach. Baron Von Thunderclap, on his seventh attempt, suggested renaming Clacton "Eric" and making the pier take a seat in the House of Lords.
James Ransley of Consensus said his experience leading a council of 12,000 residents is unique. John Stevens of Rejoin EU said he does not expect to win, but wants to send a message that Brexit was a mistake, citing polling that 35% of Clacton voters now think so.
