With the Clacton by-election set for tomorrow, August 13, 2026, voters will choose among 33 candidates, most of them independents or from minor parties, after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned his seat to trigger the contest. All major parties opted not to field candidates, leaving Farage to face a field dominated by novelty and independent hopefuls.
Our attempts to contact every candidate yielded responses from 15 of them. They were asked the same 10 questions about Clacton and national issues. Below are their answers, organized by candidate.
Count Binface – Count Binface Party
Count Binface, leader of the Count Binface Party, said he would be a good MP because he would "turn up, for starters" and would listen to residents' needs. He promised to increase Clacton's global fame, boosting the economy, and to campaign for affordable 99 Flakes and fairer arcade grabber machines.
He identified deprivation, social care, and infrastructure as key local issues. His campaign slogan is "Hopeful. Positive. Tuneful." On Prime Minister Andy Burnham, he said it is early days but that Burnham "already seems to have a bit more about him than the last chap." He claimed he has held a summit with Burnham at the Makerfield by-election, where he discussed renaming HS2 'FFS1'.
Binface highlighted his non-human status and his differences from opponents in not being "horrendously right-wing." His policies include spending more time in Clacton than Washington DC, building at least one affordable house, nationalising Adele, and making oil and gas companies pay for solar panels. For a night out, he recommended fish and chips at the Hook of Clacton and the pier's attractions. On Trump, he said his message was unprintable. His dream role is Prime Minister, and he would change the size of UK door frames.
William Clouston – Social Democratic Party
William Clouston, SDP leader, said his party is the only national party with a developed policy platform standing against Reform. He emphasized the SDP's support for strong border control, national pride, nationalised utilities, and infrastructure investment.
He said the press caricature of Clacton is inaccurate, noting the constituency includes distinct towns like Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, and Jaywick, with a total population of about 85,500. He cited underinvestment in public realm, poor economic connectivity, and inconsistent social care as main issues.
Clouston's campaign slogan is "You already agree." He criticized Burnham for lacking concrete plans and called Labour "incapable of fixing the troubles." He cited migration figures: net migration of 9.5 million since 1997, and state pension spending per claimant rising from £6,000 in 1997 to £10,800 in 2024. He noted public sector net debt rose from 36% of GDP in 2007 to 95% in 2025, costing up to £130bn per year in interest.
Clouston highlighted his party's full manifesto and green papers as differentiators. His main policies focus on holding the government to account and implementing a National Care Service. He recommended Mangiare Ristorante in Frinton and the Old Lifeboat House pub. He would tell Trump to focus on his legacy and avoid ego-driven actions. His dream role is Prime Minister, but he would accept Housing Minister. He would end short-termism in public life.
Nigel Farage – Reform UK
Nigel Farage answered only four of the ten questions. He said representing Clacton has been a privilege and that he did not want to resign, but the political establishment forced the by-election. His promises are to be accountable, take on Westminster, and fight to fix broken Britain.
His campaign slogan is "People versus Establishment." His main policies include deploying the Royal Navy to stop illegal immigration, detaining and deporting illegal migrants, cutting taxes on workers, scrapping policies that raise energy bills, introducing no VAT for businesses until £150k, lower taxes for employing Brits, more police, and no business rates for pubs. He also proposed mandatory prison sentences for employing illegals.
He would change the breakdown in law and order, advocating for visible policing and tougher sentencing.
Attieh Fard – Independent
Attieh Fard, an independent, said she would be an accessible, visible, and accountable MP, using her legal expertise and community service experience. She pledged regular surgeries and to tackle long-standing issues.
She identified safety and security, infrastructure, and the economy as key issues. She noted a police officer working 60-70 hours a week, dangerous potholes, poor bus services, and a lack of GP access for new homes. She mentioned a resident wanting a Nando's. Jaywick faces private beach ownership and economic lag.
Her campaign slogan is "Stronger Clacton First." She supports Burnham's message of hope and growth but will hold him to account. She differs by being proactive, having written to the PM and Education Secretary, and leading a petition on road funding. She has expertise in immigration and family law, and noted 30% of Frinton crimes are family-related. She is the only candidate with Iranian heritage.
Her policies include more police, CCTV, a bill to change road funding formula, better infrastructure, support for social housing, care worker career progression, training for benefits claimants in shortage occupations, defending single-sex spaces, stopping boat crossings, and increasing security checks. She proposed extending High Street Rental Auctions to privately owned beaches. She enjoyed Frinton Mission 2026. She would urge Trump to continue actions against the Islamic regime. Her dream roles are Science, Innovation, or Security Secretary. She would get more people into work and off benefits.
Tony Francis – Christian Independent
Tony Francis, a Christian independent, cited his local service as a police sergeant, community warden, and in construction and addiction recovery. He said his strength is listening and bringing people together.
He listed health access, homelessness, addiction, youth opportunities, struggling town centres, transport, and community safety as issues. He said too many people feel unheard.
His slogan is "Listen. Understand. Act." He called Burnham "the radical man of the season" but doubted his No 10 North plan. He differs as an independent with practical experience. His priorities include better health access, joined-up homelessness response, youth opportunities, and coastal regeneration. He recommended Seabreeze cafe and The Cherry Tree. He would apologize to Trump for using Jaywick's Sunbeam Close and say power is for service. His dream role is communities and social renewal. He would restore a sense of shared responsibility.
Robin Green – Independent
Robin Green, independent, said he would listen and deal with long GP waiting times. His slogan is "Independent who listens." He called Burnham "a mixed bag." He has a detailed policy programme and has followed politics since 1996. His policies include NHS/mental-health investment, sensible AI rules, and firm but fair immigration. He recommended The Loft on the seafront. He would tell Trump to get serious about AI safety. His dream role is Minister for AI. He would reorient government policy around economic growth.
Joseph 77 – Independent
Joseph 77, independent, proposed a "Clacton Culture Campus" to boost pride and status as a holiday resort. He said unemployment is the main issue. His slogan is "Positive response constantly." He called Burnham a "Chancer." He differs by being "colourful to watch and entertaining." His policy is to implement the Culture Campus. The best night out is Saturday. He would ask Trump to support the campus to address global migration. His dream role is Foreign Secretary. He would be proud of Britain's past legacy.
Derrick Norbert Morris – Independent
Derrick Norbert Morris, independent, said Clacton has low employment, a growing elderly population, and high self-harm incidents. He wants direct investment and jobs. His slogan is "PRETTIFY & RICHIFY CLACTON." He called Burnham a regular politician like Starmer and Sunak. He claimed extensive political experience, including living in the US for 28 years and helping Liz Truss and others. His policies include 2 million jobs for youth, a big hospital in Essex, ending wars, and stopping boats. He recommended multicultural programmes. He would tell Trump he loves him and America, and claims to have saved America three times. His dream role is to create a "New Greater Britain." He would give Britain a new vision.
Nick the Incredible Flying Brick – Monster Raving Looney Party
Nick the Incredible Flying Brick offered to become Clacton Football Club mascot. He cited the threat of political canvassers as an issue. His slogan is "Brick Abolish Gravity." He said Burnham is "Perfect for Manchester." He doesn't differ from other candidates. His policies include moving Parliament to St Osyth Naturist Beach. He would introduce piranhas and crocodiles for spectator sports. He would tell Trump nothing. His dream role is Treasury, issuing fifty trillion pounds of quantitative easing. He would ban intergalactic interference by Binface and other Klingons.
Martyn O'Brien – Independent
Martyn O'Brien, independent, said he advocates for people and focuses on local issues. He cited elderly care, unemployment, youth opportunities, transport, and Colchester Hospital access. His slogan is "Independent. Local. Accessible." He called Burnham a rebrand like the Tories. He listens to residents. His policies include healthcare, better transport, and addiction support. He enjoys seafront walks. He would tell Trump nothing. His dream role is Health Secretary. He would fix the NHS by cutting waste.
Nick Pelas – Independent
Nick Pelas, independent, has lived in Clacton for 12 years. He cited anti-social behaviour, closed shops, and poor perception as issues. His slogan is "Not left nor right, but local." He said it's too early to judge Burnham. He knows the area well. His policies include a mini summit with landlords to open empty buildings, making Clacton a year-round destination, and supporting arts and local business. He recommended a seafront meal and theatre. He would ask Trump why he is at war with Iran. His dream role is in health and social care. He would adopt a Mediterranean lifestyle with siestas.
Daniel Pocock – Independent
Daniel Pocock, independent, based his "Global Clacton" campaign on his engineering background. He cited mobile blackspots, NHS/police/education cutbacks, youth opportunities, and energy sovereignty as issues. His slogan is "Must-see videos." He challenged Farage to a mile race. He differs by already doing the job, citing his Swiss Archive, a lawsuit with Centrica over estimated billing errors (over £40,000), and a diplomatic mission to Valence. His policies include scrutinizing the assisted suicide bill, renewables, a tramway, and a safe cryptocurrency framework. He recommended community service with the Legion of Mary. He predicted Trump's Strait of Hormuz conflict in 2017. His dream role is ambassador to Washington. He would cut VAT from 20% to 10%.
James Ransley – Consensus
James Ransley, from Consensus, said he would be hands-on and representative of the average voter. He cited cost of living and lack of hope as issues. His slogan is "Work, not show." He said Burnham's policies are early and need careful funding. He has experience leading a council of 12,000 residents. His policies include assisting Tendring Council with £60 million in redevelopment funding. He recommended the arcade, seafront walk, and fish and chips. He would send Trump Clacton sticks of rock. His dream role is Chancellor. He would focus on incentives.
John Stevens – Rejoin EU
John Stevens, from Rejoin EU, said he doesn't expect to win but wants to send a message on Brexit. He cited polling that 35% of Clacton voters now think Brexit was a mistake. His slogan is "Hot. Surreal. Fun." He said Burnham has right ideas on PR and rejoining the EU but lacks courage. He believes he is the only serious campaign against Farage. He is not offering policies but a chance to tell Farage Brexit was a mistake. He recommended dinner at Osteria del Mare Frinton. He would tell Trump he is corrupt and should be in jail. His dream role is negotiating EU return. He would introduce proportional representation.
Baron Von Thunderclap – Monster Raving Looney Party
Baron Von Thunderclap, retired, said he can devote all his time to the role. He noted two distinct areas in Clacton: wealthy and run-down. His slogan is "listen to electorate" and "drink Clacton dry!" He doesn't think of Burnham to avoid nightmares. He has never gone back on his word. His policies include making Clacton Pier take up a seat in the House of Lords and renaming Clacton 'Eric'. He enjoyed collecting nominations. He said Trump's ego is bigger than his. His dream role is Minister in Charge of Saving the Dodo. He would restore free expression and neighbourly help.
