Clacton Election

Caitlyn Woodbury

caitlyn.gabsbitesizeblogs@gmail.com

Clacton Election

Grab your polling cards- it’s another by-election!! This time we’re heading down to Clacton-on-Sea to watch one of England’s most divisive figures go up against a bin from space. So how did we end up in this mockery of a political system?

Well, it started in July with an investigation into Nigel Farage and why a £5 million donation was not declared. Farage states he did nothing wrong and that the donation was not for political reasons, so it did not need to be declared. Instead, he believed that this investigation was being used as a political tool against him. Additionally, reports came out that journalists were harassing Farage’s family, which made him fear for his and his family’s life. On a speech broadcasted 6th July, Farage stepped down as an MP but stated he would run in the now triggered by-election to show that the voters agree with him, rather than the law.

As soon as Farage stepped down as MP, the investigation paused and his campaign began. Within a few days, all major parties (Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat’s and Green) all declared that their parties would not stand in this by-election, stating it was a “gimmick” and a “circus”. That left only one main opponent for Reform: Count Binface!

Binface has run in a number of elections, including the recent Makerfield election and London Mayor. Whilst his manifesto can be said to include good policies (e.g. making 99p ice creams 99p again) it is clear that his character is to make fun of our political system. This makes him perfect for this election.

In a poll done in early August, Farage was far ahead of Binface. However, a lot can change in a week. In the Westminster polls, however, Reform have fallen beneath Labour for the first time in recent years.

If Farage were to win tomorrow (August 13) the investigation would resume, much to his displeasure. To make matters worse, his deputy Richard Tice is also under investigation for Israeli influence, as well as using “nasty tactics” against the Guardian. In a time when Labour look their best, it is not going well for Reform. We shall soon see what happens next.