Could Clacton bin off Nigel Farage?
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What is the background and current political gamble of Nigel Farage in Clacton?
This is the Guardian.
Today could Clacton bin off Nigel Farage?
A warning before we start this episode contains extreme and offensive views. So we're here on Clacton High Street, butcher charity shop, post office, savers, sort of the usual motley crew of an English High Street. Mid morning in August, it's pretty lively. Looking out across the golden sandy beach, backed by a promenade with ornamental gardens and a pier heaving with wines and restaurants. You can see why Clacton was once a seaside jewel on England's east coast. But these days. There's another story that's told about this town. Clacton is one of the poorest, oldest, and whitest places in the UK. People here face a life expectancy that is 18 years lower than those living in wealthier parts of Essex. Blood pressure is chronically high.
More people suffer from it here, proportionally than anywhere else in England. Asthma, chronic kidney disease and diabetes are more common than in most places. Clacton is home to around 53,000 residents. But almost half the working age population don't have a job. One in five have never had one. It's here, in 2024, that Nigel Farage finally won a seat in the Houses of Parliament. Eighth time lucky. And it's here. Where he's forcing his ninth go.
I've thought about it hard and I've decided today, today I will resign as a Member of Parliament for Clackton on C. Thereby forcing a by-election, which would happen, I hope, in short order.
Farage says he's protesting against the scrutiny into his financial affairs. An undeclared £5 million gift, for example. And that the people of Clacton should decide whether he's still fit to serve. And what do you make of this by election being called? I think
it's an absolute farce. Think it's like a circus to be honest with you? I think it's an absolute shambles and I think it's ridiculous that they're wasting all this government money, all this public money, on a by election that we don't need to be having to re-elect somebody who we really shouldn't have as an MP. It does feel like a deflection by Farage to try and take the focus off the fact that he's taken large amounts of money off people that he probably shouldn't have done.
The main parties are boycotting this contest. And so instead, Farage is going up against a record breaking 33 candidates. The ballot paper is three feet long. And his biggest rival Can't be
to help improve schools, hospitals, businesses, arcade grabber machines, pub toilet, hand dryer locations, and other things that humans vote for.
The Intergalactic Space Warrior from Sigma 9.
I think he seems so much more down to earth and a bit more like he's got more idea of what's happening here.
Only the whole thing was a joke.
Why would you vote for someone with a bin on their head?
From The Guardian, I'm Noshi Nick Bow. Today in focus, Nigel Farage's political gamble with Clacton.
Change today. Your eternal destination.
I get to Clacton with our producer Iva around eleven o'clock. We head to the Town Square, which is actually more of a triangle. It's got amusement arcades running down one end and banks, betting shops, and the McDonalds on the other. A street preacher is promising salvation to passers by.
Hello Neil, it's good to see you again. That's good to see you again.
Welcome to Claxon. I've arranged to meet Neil Stock, who served as a local Conservative Councillor for more than twenty years and was awarded an OBE for his effort. I last interviewed him during the COVID pandemic. Back then he was leader of the local council, tendering district. Neil, how would you describe The character of Clacton.
Yeah, Clactor like many other seaside towns, um, had quite a glorious past. It's a beach. There's mile dyes. All real sand and it's ideal for everybody.
How do locals describe the socioeconomic challenges facing Clacton and its residents?
So if you look at a brochure from the 1930s that is promoting Clacton, you see these fantastic looking hotels, fantastic gardens, fantastic um guest houses where you can come and spend your holiday. Over four miles of some of the finest beach soil in the country. And it was clearly quite an art market destination.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the background and current political gamble of Nigel Farage in Clacton?
0:00–4:47
2
How do locals describe the socioeconomic challenges facing Clacton and its residents?
4:47–9:03
3
Why did Farage resign and trigger a by‑election, and what are the reactions from other parties?
9:03–13:16
4
What do long‑time residents and former councillors say about Clacton’s history and decline?
13:16–16:48
5
Who are the candidates standing in the by‑election and what are their main platforms?
16:48–19:06
6
What impact does Farage’s presence have on local sentiment and voter motivation?
19:06–22:56
7
What have journalists and crime reporters observed about immigration concerns and crime in Clacton?
22:56–27:15
8
What are the prospects for the upcoming by‑election and how might it shape Clacton’s future?
27:15–30:10
Speakers
2 identifiedMore from Today in Focus
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