Farage faces record 33 rivals in Clacton by-election he triggered

Nigel Farage will face 33 opponents in an Aug. 13 by-election in Clacton, eastern England, after local officials closed nominations and put 34 names on the ballot. Tendring District Council, which is running the contest, said the total is believed to be a record for a parliamentary election. Farage, the Reform UK leader and Clacton’s MP since 2024, triggered the snap vote after saying he would quit and seek re-election amid scrutiny over undisclosed gifts, including allegations tied to a convicted fraudster. Britain’s main parties are boycotting the contest, leaving challengers such as Count Binface, Laurence Fox and Official Monster Raving Loony Party figures on the ballot.