Record 34 Candidates Contest Clacton By-Election

Key Points

• Elections will take place in the Clacton constituency on Thursday, 13 August, in a UK parliamentary by-election.
• A record of 34 candidates is standing in the parliamentary by-election in the UK.
• The previous record of 26 candidates standing in an election was during the Haltemprice and Howden by-election held in July 2008.
• Ian Davidson, the Acting Returning Officer for the Clacton by-election, has appealed to eligible voters to exercise their right to vote.
• All electors going to polling stations are required to present themselves with a valid means of identification.
• There are 51 polling stations in the Clacton constituency providing services to nearly 70,000 eligible voters.
• About 10,000 voters have registered for postal voting, with postal ballots being received even now.
• Polling will start from 7 am to 10 pm on Thursday, 13 August.
• Deadline for registering as a voter in the by-election has since closed.
• Candidates vary from major political parties to independents and novelties.

Clacton (Britain Today News) August 07, 2026 – Residents across Clacton are being reminded to cast their votes ahead of next week’s record-breaking parliamentary by-election, which will see a historic 34 candidates contest a single seat in the House of Commons. Voters in the constituency will head to the polls on Thursday, 13 August, to elect their next Member of Parliament, in what officials have described as an unprecedented and logistically demanding poll.

What Is Happening In The Clacton By-Election?

A parliamentary by-election is due to take place in the Clacton constituency on Thursday, 13 August, allowing residents to choose who will represent them in Parliament. The contest has already drawn national attention because of the sheer number of candidates standing, a factor that election officials say has created significant practical and administrative challenges in the run-up to polling day.

Ian Davidson, Acting Returning Officer for the Clacton by-election, said:

“This is a historic by-election for Clacton, with a record number of candidates standing in a UK parliamentary election, and I would urge everyone eligible to make sure they have their say.”

How Many Candidates Are Standing In The Clacton By-Election?

The by-election has broken the record for the highest number of candidates ever to stand in a single UK parliamentary election. A total of 34 candidates have put themselves forward for the Clacton seat, surpassing the previous record of 26 candidates, which was set at the Haltemprice and Howden by-election held in July 2008.

The scale of the ballot paper required to accommodate so many names has itself become a talking point locally, with election staff having to adapt printing, counting and verification processes to manage the unusually large field of contenders.

Who Are The Candidates Standing In Clacton?

The full list of candidates standing in the Clacton constituency, as confirmed by the local authority, is as follows:

• 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 O’Brien (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)

The list features candidates representing established political parties, smaller and fringe parties, as well as a large contingent of independent candidates, some of whom are standing under unconventional or satirical names.

What Has The Acting Returning Officer Said About The By-Election?

Ian Davidson has been at the forefront of communicating with the public ahead of polling day, issuing a detailed statement on behalf of the returning officer’s team. In addition to urging residents to vote, he addressed the scale of the operation required to deliver the by-election safely and fairly.

He said:

“Elections are a vital opportunity for residents to choose who represents them. If you are voting at a polling station, please remember that you must bring an accepted form of photo ID with you. This could include a passport, driving licence, Blue Badge, older or disabled person’s bus pass, or another approved form of identification.”

Davidson also acknowledged the scale of preparation involved in delivering a poll of this size, stating:

“Staff from across the council have been working hard to prepare for this unusual and high-profile poll, including the practical challenges that come with such a large ballot paper and the level of interest in the by-election.”

He added:

“Our priority is to make sure the by-election is run properly, fairly and securely, and that every eligible resident who wants to vote can do so with confidence.”

What Identification Do Voters Need To Bring To Polling Stations?

Under current voter identification rules, anyone wishing to cast their ballot in person at a polling station in Clacton must bring an accepted form of photo identification. According to Ian Davidson’s statement, accepted documents include a passport, a driving licence, a Blue Badge, an older or disabled person’s bus pass, or another approved form of identification.

Election officials have stressed that voters without an accepted form of ID may be turned away from polling stations, and residents are being encouraged to check they have suitable documentation before polling day arrives.

How Many Polling Stations And Electors Are Involved In Clacton?

The Clacton by-election will be served by 51 polling stations positioned across the constituency, providing local access points for residents wishing to vote in person. Almost 70,000 electors are eligible to vote at these stations on polling day.

In addition to those voting in person, approximately 10,000 electors have registered to vote by post. Postal votes are continuing to be returned by voters in the lead-up to polling day, and election staff are processing these ballots as they arrive.
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What Preparations Have Been Made By The Council For This Record Poll?

Given the scale of the candidate field, council staff have had to undertake significant additional preparation compared with a typical by-election. Ian Davidson confirmed that teams from across the council have been working to ensure the process runs smoothly, citing the practical difficulties posed by an unusually large ballot paper and heightened public interest in the contest.

This preparation has reportedly included adapting printing processes for the ballot papers, reviewing counting procedures to accommodate the higher number of candidates, and ensuring polling station staff are equipped to manage voter flow given the anticipated turnout and media attention surrounding the seat.

Is Postal Voting Still Available For The Clacton By-Election?

Postal voting remains an active part of the by-election process. Around 10,000 electors in the constituency are registered to vote by post, and officials have confirmed that postal votes are continuing to be returned in the run-up to polling day. Residents who have already been issued postal ballots are being encouraged to return them promptly to ensure they are counted.

Has The Deadline To Register To Vote Passed?

Yes. The deadline for residents wishing to register to vote in the Clacton by-election has now passed. This means that only those already on the electoral register will be eligible to take part in Thursday’s poll, either in person at a polling station or via a postal vote.

When And Where Can Clacton Voters Cast Their Ballots?

Polling will take place on Thursday, 13 August, with polling stations open between 7 am and 10 pm. Voters are being directed to their designated local polling station, one of 51 across the constituency, where they will need to present accepted photo identification before being issued a ballot paper.

Residents who are unsure of their designated polling station have been advised to check their poll card or contact the local council for guidance ahead of election day.