Summary
The upcoming by-election in Clacton-on-Sea is set to feature the longest ballot paper in British electoral history, measuring nearly a meter long, as 34 candidates vie for the seat left vacant by Nigel Farage's resignation. Farage, facing scrutiny over allegations of failing to declare benefits from a convicted fraudster and a billionaire donor, announced his resignation as a protest against the political establishment. In a surprising twist, major parties like the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats have opted not to field candidates, leaving the stage open for a mix of independent, satirical, and single-issue candidates.
Among the contenders is comedian Jonathan Harvey, known as Count Binface, who has garnered significant attention. The election reflects a broader trend in British politics, where novelty candidates have historically emerged to challenge the status quo. However, local residents express concern over the lack of serious representation, as only a handful of candidates are from Clacton itself, raising questions about their commitment to addressing local issues such as job shortages and healthcare access.
Polling suggests that while Farage leads, public sentiment is mixed regarding his candidacy, with many voters expressing fatigue and skepticism about the by-election's implications. If Farage wins, he may still face consequences from ongoing parliamentary investigations, potentially leading to another by-election if enough local voters support a recall petition. As the election approaches, the unusual mix of candidates and the record number on the ballot paper highlight the evolving landscape of British politics, where humor and serious issues intersect.
Show Notes
Nigel Farage will compete with a record 33 other candidates in the Clacton by-election, despite several political parties refusing to stand. The Reform UK leader triggered the by-election in what he called a "people versus the establishment” contest, protesting against media and parliamentary scrutiny of his finances. Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have all boycotted the by-election and said they will not be putting forward a candidate. However, the public will still have 34 people to choose from when they head to polling stations on August 13, Tendring District Council confirmed. In this episode of What You Need To Know, ITV News reporter Lorna Shaddick looks at why the Clacton by-election is unlike any other in British history. Here is a full list of candidates in the Clacton by-election: - Joseph 77 (Independent) - Adham Alkhatip (The Forward Party) - Count Binface (Count Binface Party) - Nick The Incredible Flying Brick (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party) - Tony Cane (Independent) - Woke Trump Carrzee (Independent) - William Stuart James Clouston (Social Democratic Party) - Rees Cowne (Independent) - Glenn Charles Cummings (Independent) - Martin Davies (Freedom Alliance – Real People, Real Alternative!) - Andy Erlam (Independent) - Nigel Farage (Reform UK) - Attieh Fard (Independent) - Laurence Fox (The Reclaim Party) - Tony Francis (Independent) - Robin Green (Independent) - Abi Hookway (Independent) - Howling Laud Hope (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party) - Stephen Richard Ingram (Independent) - Amy Morris (Independent) - Derrick Norbert Morris (Independent) - Michael Noel O’Keeffe (Independent) - Martyn OBrien (Independent) - Nick Pelas (Independent) - Ketankumar Pipaliya (UK VOICE safer and stronger UK) - Daniel Pocock (Independent) - James Ransley (Consensus Party Candidate) - Gerry Smith (Independent) - Kai Stephens (British Democrats) - John Stevens (Rejoin EU) - Baron Von Thunderclap (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party) - Pamela Walford (Independent) - Marcus White (Everyone is God Party) - Marc Wilkinson (Independent)
More from What You Need To Know
Could Donald Trump’s Republicans be heading for a major defeat in the 2026 US midterm elections? The latest polling numbers suggest they could be in trouble — and the consequences for Trump’s final two years as president could be significant. In this ITV News explainer, Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor at The Cook Political Report, breaks down the polls, political trends and key numbers that could determine the outcome of the US midterms on November 3. Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen sharply since he returned to the White House. Voters are increasingly unhappy with his handling of the economy, rising living costs and his immigration policies. Even traditionally Republican states could be competitive, raising the possibility that Democrats could win control of the House of Representatives, the Senate — or both. But how much can we really learn from the polls? And could history repeat itself?
There is a lot at stake in next week's election in Israel, not least the political future of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Manchester City are in big trouble, that much is clear. But how bad is the collateral damage for the Premier League? It has been just over a week since the Premier League confirmed that the club had been found guilty of massive breaches of the league's financial rules. It coincides with a period when City rose to be the dominant force in English football. The club maintain their innocence, and are appealing. But if the findings of the Premier League's independent commission are upheld, they could be in big trouble. ITV News Sports Editor has been taking a look at what the next stages are, the potential punishment for Manchester City, and how badly the league's reputation could be damaged.
For the past 25 years, Wales has radically reshaped its education system, taking a radically different path from England. But it remains far ehind every other home nation in performance in reading, maths and science, according to a new report. So what's behind these poor scores? It launched a play-based curriculum for young children, abolished school league tables, and scrapped tests like SATs traditionally held in primary school. Its new curriculum gives schools greater freedom over what they teach, aiming to develop critical thinking. But it has its critics, and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) assessments don't make for pretty reading for the Welsh government. In the 2025 results, Wales was the lowest-performing UK nation, something that has happened in each of the tests since 2006, and the gap with England in particular is widening. We'll investigate why Wales is performing so poorly. Is it all down to the nation's alternative approach, or are there other factors at play?
Germany’s far-right, anti-immigration AfD party is on course for a major victory in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, potentially marking the first time a far-right party has led a government in Germany since World War II. With a campaign fronted by TikTok star Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD has surged in popularity, but it’s not without controversy. A win would likely send shockwaves through German politics and across Europe, heaping the pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz who is unpopular with voters. In this video, we break down the AfD's rise, look at their policies, and what a breakthrough victory could mean for Germany's future. Featuring an in-depth interview with British-German historian and journalist Katja Hoyer, we look at how Germany here and why the outcome is so important.