Nigel Farage to face record 33 rivals in Clacton by-election

British anti-immigration politician Nigel Farage will face a record 33 opponents, including long-time joke candidate Count Binface, in a snap by-election he triggered in the eastern England constituency of Clacton next month.

Tendring District Council, which is overseeing the August 13 poll, confirmed on Friday that Farage and 33 other candidates will appear on the ballot after nominations closed.

The council said the total of 34 candidates "is believed to be a record for a parliamentary election".

Britain's major political parties are boycotting the contest after Farage resigned as an MP earlier this month and sought re-election amid growing scrutiny over his finances.

The Reform UK leader, whose party has topped national opinion polls for more than a year, has faced mounting pressure over his failure to disclose gifts, including some allegedly linked to a convicted fraudster.

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With mainstream parties sitting out the race, Farage's most prominent challenger is Count Binface — the satirical "intergalactic space warrior" portrayed by a comedian wearing a giant rubbish bin on his head, along with armour and a grey cape.

He will also face other novelty candidates, including Alan "Howling Laud" Hope, leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party. The party is also fielding deputy leader Baron Von Thunderclap and treasurer Nick the Flying Brick, whose campaign includes a call to abolish gravity.

The candidate list also features actor-turned-"anti-woke" activist Laurence Fox, alongside several representatives of fringe parties and independent candidates.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London on Friday, Farage said, "the people of Clacton can decide whether they back me or whether they back the Establishment".

"I've taken a punt because I like a gamble," he added. "I think they're going to come down on my side. I hope and pray that they do. Yes, let the people decide. Let the people be my judge, not the Westminster elite."