Clacton by-election attracts 34 candidates

A total of 34 candidates have been confirmed for the Clacton constituency by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation.

The Reform UK leader resigned as an MP on July 7 following increased scrutiny and a parliamentary inquiry into his finances, but is back on his feet.

The list includes 20 independent candidates and several joke candidates, including three from the Monster Raving Loony party, and none from the main Westminster parties. Voters will go to the polls on August 13.

This is thought to be the highest number of candidates contesting a by-election in modern times, according to Tendring District Council.

The previous record is understood to have been broken by 26 candidates in the Halteprice and Howden by-election in July 2008, triggered by Tory Sir David Davis in his own seat and ignored by the main Westminster parties.