THE date for the by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s decision to quit as an MP has been confirmed.
The Clacton contest is being boycotted by the other main Westminster parties, who view Farage’s actions a stunt, leaving comedy candidate Count Binface as the highest-profile opponent for the Reform UK leader.
Reform, who have framed the by-election as the people vs the establishment in a bid to see off allegations of wrongdoing around their leader, had originally hoped the vote would be held on August 6.
However, Tendring District Council have now announced the date would be a week later, on August 13.
Potential candidates can submit their nominations from July 14-17 and residents of the Essex constituency not already on the electoral register have until July 28 to apply for a vote.
Laurence Fox, the actor-turned-hard-right agitator, has suggested he could stand.
Acting returning officer Ian Davidson said: “The electoral timetable is set out by law and so we are bound by these dates.
“If residents want to have their democratic say then they must be registered, so anyone who wants to vote in the upcoming by-election should make sure they can by registering in time.
“You can register to vote online, or you can contact our team who will be happy to help you.
“I would also encourage people to check now that they have valid ID to enable them to vote at a polling station; and if they do not, then to apply for the free alternative Voter Authority Certificate.
“We want to make sure that everyone is still able to cast their vote next month.”
Farage resigned as an MP amid scrutiny over an undeclared £5 million gift he received from a billionaire, and undeclared donations-in-kind received from a convicted fraudster.
It has now been revealed that, since February 2025, police have been investigating donations worth £500,000 given to Reform UK by an aristocrat.
If Farage is found to have committed wrongdoing in his handling of the donations, he could be forced to face a by-election. His resignation triggering the one which will be held on August 13 has no material impact on the standards investigation, beyond a pause.
