A number of major political parties are set to boycott the upcoming by-election in Clacton.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been accused of using the vote as a “distraction” amid mounting questions surrounding his personal finances.
He was already being investigated by the Commons standards watchdog over an undeclared £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne, and is now facing further scrutiny over security for him funded by convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
Mr Farage said he would fight for the Essex seat in what he billed as a "people versus the establishment" by-election.
The vote, set to take place on August 13, promises to have an unusual field of candidates.
The Labour Party, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Restore Britain have all said they will not be standing.
Some minor parties, as well as a number of independent candidates - including Count Binface - appear to be Mr Farage’s challengers in the vote.
So who is actually standing? Here are all the potential candidates.
Count Binface
Satirical candidate Count Binface has announced he will appear on the ballot - and has had his odds slashed by bookmakers in recent days.
The creation of comedian Jon Harvey, Count Binface stood in the London mayoral elections in 2021 and 2024.
He also stood twice against Boris Johnson, once against Rishi Sunak, and stood in the Makerfield by-election in June.
Previously known as Lord Buckethead, the Count wrote on X: “Labour, Tories, Lib Dems and Greens: I demand you stand down in Clacton. I will be a unity candidate and pledge to build at least one affordable house.
“Nigel Farage says he wants The People versus the Establishment. So be it. Leave him to me.”
Laurence Fox
The former actor and leader of the Reclaim Party confirmed on social media that he would be standing.
He wrote: “We’re coming because we respect the voters of Clacton and also to elevate the Fight on the Right.”
Mr Fox also criticised the lack of candidates from mainstream parties in the by-election.
He said: "If I was a canvasser for any of the established political parties I would be pretty miffed that my party leaders had decided not to represent my voice just because they hate Nigel so much.
"What a state British politics is in when political parties don’t stand in elections. This is meant to be a democracy. People should have options when choosing who to vote for."
According to the party website, Reclaim exists to challenge “woke orthodoxy” and promote “freedom of speech”, which it sees as being “under grave peril”.
Rob Pownall
From Mr Fox, to a man who dresses as a fox.
Wildlife campaigner Rob Pownall has said that he will stand in the Clacton by-election, shortly after competing in Makerfield.
Known for his famous fox outfit, Mr Pownall will run a campaign against Farage’s personal record on animal welfare and hunting.
Rejoin EU
The Rejoin EU Party, currently led by Richard Moreley, has said they are seeking a candidate for the vote.
They posted: "Clacton, we need you! We’re looking for someone to stand as the Rejoin EU Party’s Parliamentary candidate.
"Passion for Clacton. Passion for Britain. Passion for Europe."
Monster Raving Loony Party
Howling Laud Hope, the leader of the Monster Raving Loony Party, will also be standing in the contest next month.
The satirical group, which was formed in 1982, said: “Our preparations are NOW being made for the #ClactonByElection“.
During the Makerfield by-election, the party ran with a manifesto comprising pledges such as allowing every UK voter to be prime minister for “15 minutes in their lifetime”.
Luke Worley
Reality TV star Luke Worley has announced that he will run as an independent candidate, pledging to improve Clacton’s roads and high street and support independent businesses.
Mr Worley, who came to fame following appearances on Married at First Sight UK and Dating Naked, told The Sun: "I’ve survived reality TV, so politics should be a walk in the park.
"Nigel Farage might be one of the biggest names in British politics and Lord Binface might be the king of political stunts, but neither of them grew up in Clacton like I did.
"They can bring the headlines and I’m fine with that but I’ll bring the local knowledge and the respect for the local community.
"This campaign isn’t about egos, it’s about giving Clacton a fighter who actually understands what people here have been through."
Ollie Granger
Television professional Ollie Granger has said that will run, telling the Clacton Gazette his campaign priorities include tackling crime, creating jobs, backing farmers, and investing in tourism.
Mr Granger, who has lived in north Essex for five years, said "I want Clacton to have an MP who lives locally, listens to local people, and stands up for our communities every day not just at election time."
Piers Corbyn
Piers Corbyn announced he is standing in the Clacton by-election in a declaration speech on Parliament Square, which was filmed and posted online.
The older brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Corbyn said: “The nearest thing to a general election is this by-election happening now in Clacton. That gives us the chance to raise issues which we couldn’t otherwise raise.”
Adham Alkhatip
Forward Party leader Adham Alkhatip announced his candidacy on TikTok, saying he will run on an “anti-corruption, pro-worker” platform.
Kai Stephens
Kai Stephens will run for the British Democrats, a party formed as a splinter of the far-right British National Party in 2011 and officially launched in 2013.
Amelia Randall
Kent County councillor and clairvoyant Amelia Randall is running for the Balanced Britain Party, a party she founded.
Ms Randall was elected as a Reform UK councillor in Thanet before leaving the party last year.
