Full Breakdown
Record-Breaking Candidate Field in the Clacton By-Election
8/6/2026, 9:27:00 PM
Core Event
The Clacton constituency will vote on 13 August in a by-election featuring 34 candidates – the longest ballot in British electoral history. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is the sole major-party contender; the other 33 represent smaller parties or stand as independents.
Background to the By-Election
Farage resigned his seat after scrutiny of his personal finances, triggering the by-election. All mainstream parties (Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Green) have chosen not to field a candidate, leaving the contest to a mix of repeat “serial” candidates and novelty candidates.
Serial Candidates and Their Electoral History
BBC Verify identified nine candidates who have stood at least twice in Westminster or London mayoral elections:
| Candidate | Party / Affiliation | Prior contests | Best vote share | Deposit outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Stevens | Rejoin EU | Four parliamentary elections (incl. 2010 Buckingham) | 21.4 % (10,331 votes) | Deposit returned |
| William Clouston | Social Democratic Party | Three parliamentary elections (incl. 2001 Durham North West) | 20.9 % (8,193 votes) | Deposit returned |
| Laurence Fox | Reclaim Party | One parliamentary by-election (2023 Uxbridge & South Ruislip) | 2.3 % (714 votes) | Deposit lost |
| Andy Erlam | Independent | Three parliamentary elections (incl. 1983 Bexleyheath) | 17.1 % (7,560 votes) | Two deposits returned |
| Count Binface (Jon Harvey) | Independent (satirical) | Six parliamentary elections and two mayoral elections | 0.6 % (308 votes, Richmond & Northallerton 2024) | All deposits lost |
| Howling Laud Hope (Alan Hope) | Official Monster Raving Loony Party | 37 parliamentary elections since 1983 | 1.6 % (553 votes, Leicester South 2011) | All deposits lost |
| Nick the Incredible Flying Brick (Nick Delves) | Official Monster Raving Loony Party | 13 parliamentary elections | 0.9 % (472 votes, West Derbyshire 2001) | All deposits lost |
| Baron Von Thunderclap (Peter Berry) | Official Monster Raving Loony Party | Six parliamentary elections | 1.3 % (601 votes, 2001 general election) | All deposits lost |
| Joseph 77 (Tom Darwood) | Independent | Eight parliamentary elections | 1.2 % (574 votes, Southend West 2019) | All deposits lost |
The BBC’s analysis was updated on 6 August 2026 to correct records for William Clouston, Joseph 77 and Andy Erlam.
Deposit Requirements and Historical Returns
A parliamentary candidate must lodge a £500 deposit and secure at least 5 % of the vote to have it returned. In London mayoral contests the deposit is £10,000 with the same threshold. Only John Stevens, William Clouston and Andy Erlam have reclaimed deposits.
Official Reactions
Reform UK MP Danny Kruger (East Wiltshire) told the House of Commons that “politics is not a joke,” criticizing rivals who line up behind a comedian in a dustbin costume.
Why the Contest Matters
The sheer number of candidates, many of whom repeatedly contest without winning deposits, underscores a long-standing British tradition of fringe candidacies. Historical analysis notes that such candidates, from Screaming Lord Sutch to today’s Count Binface, have occasionally introduced policies later adopted by mainstream parties (e.g., lower voting age, all-day pub opening).
What's Next
The by-election will be held on 13 August. Voters will choose among the 34 candidates, determining whether Farage retains the seat or a serial or novelty candidate secures an unexpected share of the vote.
