Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is set to face a record 33 opponents in the upcoming Clacton parliamentary by-election, making it the largest candidate field ever seen in a UK parliamentary contest.

The August 13 by-election was triggered after Farage resigned as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Clacton earlier this month and announced he would seek a fresh mandate from voters amid increasing scrutiny over his financial disclosures.

Record Number of Candidates

The Tendring District Council, which is administering the election, confirmed that 34 candidates, including Farage, will appear on the ballot after nominations closed.

According to the council, the unusually large field is believed to be a record for a parliamentary election in the United Kingdom.

Main Parties Stay Out of Contest

Britain's major political parties, including the governing Labour Party and the Conservatives, have chosen not to field candidates in the by-election.

The decision comes as Farage faces questions over his failure to declare several gifts, including some reportedly linked to a convicted fraudster. Farage has denied wrongdoing and is seeking re-election to reaffirm public support.

Novelty Candidates Join Race

With mainstream parties absent, several well-known novelty candidates have entered the contest.

Among the most recognisable is Count Binface, the satirical candidate known for appearing in a metallic costume featuring a large rubbish bin helmet.

The ballot will also include representatives from the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, including:

• Alan "Howling Laud" Hope, the party's leader

• Baron Von Thunderclap, deputy leader

• Nick the Flying Brick, whose campaign promises include the humorous pledge to abolish gravity

Actor and political activist Laurence Fox is also among the candidates contesting the seat, alongside several independents and representatives of smaller political parties.

Farage Defends Decision

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London, Farage said he wanted voters—not political opponents—to decide his future.

"The people of Clacton can decide whether they back me or whether they back the Establishment," he said.

Farage described the by-election as a political gamble, adding that he hoped voters would once again place their trust in him rather than what he called the "Westminster elite."

High-Profile Political Test

Although the by-election lacks participation from the UK's largest political parties, it is expected to attract significant national attention due to Farage's prominence in British politics.

The contest is likely to be closely watched as a measure of public support for Reform UK and Farage's political standing following recent scrutiny over his financial affairs.

Voting is scheduled for August 13, with the outcome expected to provide an early indication of the party's momentum ahead of future national elections.