Independent candidates Attieh Fard and Andy Erlam are continuing to hold daily hustings in Clacton town centre in the run-up to the by-election on 13 August. However, the two main contenders, Nigel Farage and Count Binface, have been notably absent from these events.
Attieh Fard, a former Tory, and Andy Erlam, a former adviser to a Labour cabinet minister, have organised the hustings themselves, expressing disappointment that no events were arranged by the council or other local groups. Fard stated, “Clacton voters need a serious person to vote for,” and criticised the by-election being treated as a “joke.”
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, triggered the by-election by resigning his seat amid pressure over undeclared finances. He was reportedly in London announcing a policy on Channel crossings during one hustings. Count Binface, whose campaign has been largely virtual, told the Guardian that his invitation was lost in his inbox and expressed regret for disappointing attendees.
New polling by Survation for Mandate Research suggests Farage could secure 73% of the vote on a low turnout, with Count Binface, portrayed by comedian Jonathan Harvey, potentially receiving 20%.