The parties expected to contest the by-election, with how each performed in Clacton at the 2024 general election. Platform summaries are kept short and neutral — follow the links for each party's own material.
Leader: Nigel Farage
Reform UK holds the seat, won by Nigel Farage in 2024 with 46.2% of the vote. The party campaigns on cutting immigration, leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, lower taxes, and reforming public services. Farage has confirmed he will stand again in the by-election.
2024 in Clacton: 21,225 votes (46.2%) — Nigel Farage
Leader: Kemi Badenoch
The Conservatives held Clacton from 2010 to 2024 (with a brief UKIP interlude in 2014–15) and finished second in 2024 with 27.9%. The party has reportedly been preparing for a potential by-election in the seat since the standards investigation into Farage was launched in May 2026. No candidate has been announced yet.
2024 in Clacton: 12,820 votes (27.9%) — Giles Watling
Leader: Keir Starmer
Labour, the party of government nationally, finished third in Clacton in 2024 with 16.2% of the vote. No candidate has been announced yet.
2024 in Clacton: 7,448 votes (16.2%) — Jovan Owusu-Nepaul
Leader: Ed Davey
The Liberal Democrats took 4.4% in Clacton in 2024. The party led calls for an expanded standards inquiry into the financial support received by Nigel Farage. No candidate has been announced yet.
2024 in Clacton: 2,016 votes (4.4%) — Matthew Bensilum
Leader: Zack Polanski
The Green Party polled 4.2% in Clacton in 2024. No candidate has been announced yet.
2024 in Clacton: 1,935 votes (4.2%) — Natasha Osben
Independent candidates and smaller parties frequently stand in high-profile by-elections. Any independents who declare will be listed here.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigel Farage | Reform | 21,225 | 46.2% |
| Giles Watling | Conservative | 12,820 | 27.9% |
| Jovan Owusu-Nepaul | Labour | 7,448 | 16.2% |
| Matthew Bensilum | Lib Dem | 2,016 | 4.4% |
| Natasha Osben | Green | 1,935 | 4.2% |
| Tony Mack | Independent | 317 | 0.7% |
| Andrew Pemberton | UKIP | 116 | 0.3% |
| Craig Jamieson | Climate Party | 48 | 0.1% |
| Tasos Papanastasiou | Heritage Party | 33 | 0.1% |