Ref took this seat from Con after 2 consecutive elections.
MP News Approval i
-37
Nigel Farage
Reform UKNigel Farage is the Reform UK MP for Clacton, and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024.
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Sign up freeCoverage of Clacton has been predominantly negative for Nigel across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“Nigel Farage unveils 'Vote Reform. Get Starmer out´ slogan” — Daily Mail Online
“Farage calls on PM to quit if Labour is decimated in local elections” — Daily Mail Online
Critical coverage
“How a £2m bitcoin order made Nigel Farage the political face of UK crypto” — The Guardian
“Nigel Farage criticised for appearing in video promoting £2 million Bitcoin deal” — Left Foot Forward
Represented by Ref since 2024. Covers Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze and Frinton-on-Sea. Population 89,251, notably older (median age 53 vs 41 nationally). Median income £24K (below average).
Positive spotlight on Essex seaside town as major brand films at Pier, says boss
Harwich and Manningtree Standard · 16 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£24,100
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£30,600
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
2,790
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
31
24 primary, 3 secondary, 4 other
Total Income Tax▼
£179m
from 45,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,110
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£3,950
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
36.0
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
47.7%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
1 large town, 4 towns, 10 villages, rural areas — 97,425 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
26 councillors across 19 wards · Last elections: Jan 2024
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluehouse | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Bernie Goldman | Jan 2024 |
| Burrsville | Conservative and Unionist Party | Chris Amos | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Mick Skeels | May 2023 | |
| Cann Hall | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Geeta Dilip Sudra | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Gina Placey | May 2023 | |
| Coppins | Labour Party | Peter Kotz | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Sarah Jane Newton | May 2023 | |
| Eastcliff | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Andy Baker | May 2023 |
| Frinton | Conservative and Unionist Party | Nick Turner | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Richard Hugh Everett | May 2023 | |
| Homelands | Conservative and Unionist Party | Mark Edward Platt | May 2023 |
| Kirby Cross | Conservative and Unionist Party | Andrea Iona Cossens | May 2023 |
| Kirby Le Soken Hamford | Conservative and Unionist Party | Mark Alan Cossens | May 2023 |
| Little Clacton | Conservative and Unionist Party | Jeff Bray | May 2023 |
| Pier | Conservative and Unionist Party | Paul Honeywood | May 2023 |
| St James | Conservative and Unionist Party | Chris Griffiths | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Maurice John Alexander | May 2023 | |
| St Osyth | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | John Frederick White | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Michael John Talbot | May 2023 | |
| The Bentleys Frating | Conservative and Unionist Party | Lynda Ann McWilliams | May 2023 |
| The Oakleys Wix | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Mike Bush | May 2023 |
| Thorpe Beaumont Great Holland | Conservative and Unionist Party | Dan Land | May 2023 |
| Walton | Tendring First | Ann Frances Oxley | May 2023 |
| Weeley Tendring | Conservative and Unionist Party | Peter Harris | May 2023 |
| West Clacton Jaywick Sands | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Brad Thompson | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Dan Casey | May 2023 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ref | 21,225 | 46.2% | |
Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GE | Con | 12,820 | 27.9% |
| Lab | 7,448 | 16.2% | |
| LD | 2,016 | 4.4% | |
| Green | 1,935 | 4.2% | |
| Ind | 317 | 0.7% | |
| Ind | 116 | 0.3% | |
| Ind | 48 | 0.1% | |
| Ind | 33 | 0.1% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2017 GE | Con | 31,438 | 72.3% |
Won 2024 GE | Lab | 6,736 | 15.5% |
| LD | 2,541 | 5.8% | |
| Green | 1,225 | 2.8% | |
| Ind | 1,099 | 2.5% | |
| Ind | 243 | 0.6% | |
| Ind | 224 | 0.5% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GE | Con | 27,031 | 61.2% |
| Lab | 11,203 | 25.4% | |
| Ind | 3,357 | 7.6% | |
| LD | 887 | 2.0% | |
| Green | 719 | 1.6% | |
| Ind | 449 | 1.0% | |
| Ind | 289 | 0.7% | |
| Ind | 210 | 0.5% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won Clacton By-electionWon 2010 GE | Ind | 19,642 | 44.4% |
Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GE | Con | 16,205 | 36.7% |
| Lab | 6,364 | 14.4% | |
| Green | 1,184 | 2.7% | |
| LD | 812 | 1.8% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | Ind | 21,113 | 59.8% |
| Con | 8,709 | 24.6% | |
| Lab | 3,957 | 11.2% | |
| Green | 688 | 1.9% | |
| LD | 483 | 1.4% | |
| Ind | 205 | 0.6% | |
| Ind | 127 | 0.4% | |
| Ind | 56 | 0.2% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2015 GEWon Clacton By-election | Con | 22,867 | 53.0% |
| Lab | 10,799 | 25.0% | |
| LD | 5,577 | 12.9% | |
| Ind | 1,975 | 4.6% | |
| Ind | 1,078 | 2.5% | |
| Green | 535 | 1.2% | |
| Ind | 292 | 0.7% |
Nigel Farage appeared in 45 national articles across 13 topics (8 Apr 2026 – 15 Apr 2026)
Mixed (-0.27)Ranked #6 of 286 MPs mentioned in national coverage
Farage and hard Brexit advocates are portrayed in the article as likely to oppose the measures, but the government source dismissively characterizes him as 'too cowardly' to engage with practical deal-making, undermining his political credibility.
Farage capitalises on the story to criticise the government, framing seeking French help as national humiliation and strengthening his party's narrative on decline.
Poll shows his party surging to become largest with 324 MPs, positioning him as a major political force and validating his electoral strategy.
Streeting uses Farage's past statements on insurance-based healthcare as a negative reference point, positioning him as a threat to the NHS and indirectly damaging his credibility on health policy.
Farage articulates strong ideological opposition to EU alignment but his criticism reflects expected Reform positioning rather than demonstrating substantive political impact.
Lee Cooper Jeans filmed a major 2026 spring/summer campaign at Clacton Pier over two days in January, bringing a crew of 30+ people to the seafront. Pier management says the high-profile shoot is positive publicity for both the pier and the town, requiring significant logistical planning and staff effort.
Clacton residents express concerns about rising crime in the town centre, citing break-ins, shoplifting, and antisocial behaviour. Multiple interviewees highlight the lack of visible policing and closure of the local police station as key issues undermining community safety and confidence.
Shoe Zone's Clacton store will temporarily close in late May for a 3-4 week refurbishment before reopening with an updated layout. The closure is not permanent, addressing local concerns about further High Street decline amid the retailer's broader store contraction due to rising costs.
Lee Cooper Jeans filmed their 2026 spring/summer advertising campaign at Clacton Pier in January, using the pier's rides and attractions as a backdrop for their 'Britain's Summer Thrills' range. The shoot highlights Clacton Pier's continued appeal as a tourist and commercial destination, coinciding with the pier's announcement of an expanded 2026 events programme.
Nigel Farage has become the public face of UK cryptocurrency promotion through his £215,000 investment in Stack BTC and promotional activities alongside former Tory chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng. The article examines potential conflicts of interest, including allegations of market abuse, and Reform's cryptocurrency-friendly policy agenda funded by large donations from crypto investors.
A travel site has identified 20 UK beaches with 'poor' water quality ratings from Defra, where swimming is not recommended. Clacton (Groyne 41) in Essex is included on this list, with the article noting it has been called Essex's worst beach and swimming is not currently advised due to poor water quality.
A Reform UK activist from Clacton who was visited by Nigel Farage at his tanning salon has been exposed for posting antisemitic and pro-Hitler content online, including Holocaust denial. The activist claims he has been removed from the party, though Reform states he was rejected as a candidate during vetting and was never formally a member.
Nigel Farage, MP for Clacton, visited Shetland and was met with counter-protests led by Green candidate Alex Armitage and other political opponents who criticized his immigration policies and far-right politics. Multiple candidates from competing parties condemned Farage's visit and his record, with criticism focusing on his lack of substantive work on local issues like fishing.
Nigel Farage was confronted by angry protesters during a campaign visit to Shetland Islands supporting Reform UK's Scottish parliament election bid. The incident involved a heated exchange where Farage was called a 'scrounger' and subsequently dismissed critics as engaged in 'modern day Marxism'.
Nigel Farage, MP for Clacton-on-Sea, encountered protesters in the Shetland Islands who accused him of being a 'scrounger' and criticized billionaires in politics. Farage dismissed the protesters as 'extreme left-wingers' and 'utterly deluded,' characterizing their activism as 'modern-day Marxism'.
Nigel Farage has been criticised by Labour and the Lib Dems for appearing in a video promoting a £2 million Bitcoin purchase for Stack, a firm led by former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng. The Lib Dems have called for an FCA investigation, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and market abuse.
The Liberal Democrats have called for an FCA investigation into Nigel Farage's promotion of a £2m cryptocurrency purchase by British Bitcoin company Stack, in which he holds a 6.3% stake. The article raises questions about potential market abuse and conflict of interest, with Labour and Lib Dems criticising Farage for prioritising personal financial gain over public interest.
Nigel Farage, Clacton's MP and Reform UK leader, has made a £2m bitcoin purchase through Stack BTC, a cryptocurrency firm chaired by Kwasi Kwarteng. The move strengthens Farage's ties to the crypto sector amid scrutiny over his party's crypto donations and his deputy Richard Tice's tax allegations.
Essex County Council elections in Tendring district on May 7, 2026 will see 47 candidates compete for eight county council seats. Ward boundaries have been redrawn, including creation of a new Clacton West and St Osyth division, affecting local representation in Clacton and surrounding areas.
An opinion piece arguing that Nigel Farage's Reform UK party is gaining unexpected support from gay and bisexual voters, primarily due to concerns about Islamic sectarianism and mass immigration rather than any LGBTQ+-friendly policies. The article frames this as a troubling shift in UK politics, highlighting tensions between progressive values and immigration concerns among traditionally left-wing constituencies.
Reform leader Nigel Farage signals plans for an inquiry into peak non-EU migration under the previous Conservative government, potentially calling ex-Tory defectors like Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman to testify. The article also covers Labour's criticism of Farage's cryptocurrency investments involving former Conservative figures.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting attacks Nigel Farage and Reform UK over NHS policy, challenging the party to clarify whether it plans to move to an insurance-based healthcare system. Streeting argues Farage is hiding his true intentions ahead of May's local elections, where Reform UK is surging in polls.
Clacton Pier has announced a summer programme featuring family entertainment including pirate-themed activities, meet-and-greets with children's TV characters (PAW Patrol, Bluey and Bingo), and a new live music event called Clacton Live across July weekends. The initiative aims to attract younger visitors and provide year-round entertainment for all age groups.
Clacton Airshow 2026 has announced the Red Arrows will headline the two-day event on August 27-28, marking a return after they were unable to perform in 2024. The free event promises additional attractions and aerial performances throughout the year.
Police are reviewing a complaint about Reform UK's free energy bills competition won by a couple from Wigan, which concluded after the pre-election period began on 30 March. The competition is being investigated for potential 'treating' under electoral law, where provisions are given to voters to influence voting behaviour, though the winners were already known party members and photographed with Nigel Farage.
This is a regular death notices and funeral announcements column from the local Clacton and Frinton Gazette, publishing obituaries and condolence information for deceased residents of the constituency. It serves as a community record and tribute space for families.
Nigel Farage has stopped his lucrative Cameo video service, which earned him £2,692 weekly, after reports revealed he had recorded messages for 'questionable' individuals. The article highlights his substantial outside earnings (£1.4m since election) while noting he has spoken in Parliament only 22 times in 11 months, mentioning his Essex constituents just three times.
The Green Party won a council seat in Cliftonville ward on Thanet council (previously a Reform UK stronghold associated with Nigel Farage) in a by-election, with a 17-point swing. The victory occurred after the incumbent councillor was jailed, and represents a significant political shift in an area Farage had branded his 'flagship' council.
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has named Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader and MP for Clacton, as her least favourite politician, criticising him for having 'dodgy views' and being self-interested. The article primarily focuses on Sturgeon's reflections on her political career, her relationships with Alex Salmond and Peter Murrell, and her personal life.
Full Fact investigates whether Reform UK and Nigel Farage broke promises to cut council tax made during the 2025 local elections. While Farage didn't explicitly promise council tax cuts at the national level, some local Reform candidates did pledge to cut or freeze council tax, and none of the councils where such pledges were made have delivered on them.
Nigel Farage unveiled Reform UK's local election campaign slogan 'Vote Reform. Get Starmer out', attacking the Prime Minister as unpopular and promising real change through Reform's council track record. The campaign will run across Wales, Scotland and parts of England ahead of May's local elections.
Harriet Harman has criticised Nigel Farage for opposing the government's ban on Kanye West entering the UK, accusing him of 'leading a culture war'. Farage argued that banning people for their views sets a dangerous precedent, while Harman condemned his position as deplorable, citing security concerns for Jewish communities.
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader and current Clacton MP, has called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign if Labour performs poorly in May's local elections, positioning the polls as a referendum on Starmer's leadership. Farage frames the elections as the 'biggest political battle' before the next general election and is campaigning on a 'Vote Reform, Get Starmer Out' message.
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader and Clacton MP, visited Bolton to address party candidates ahead of local elections. He criticized the North West as a 'dumping ground' for asylum seekers, highlighted Reform's growing presence in Greater Manchester, and outlined policies on energy, reindustrialization, and election integrity.
Nigel Farage visited Southport to campaign for Reform UK ahead of local elections and was confronted about his social media posts following the July 2024 Southport attack. Farage defended his posts asking for the attacker's identity to be revealed, stating he did nothing wrong and that the government's information restrictions created a vacuum that fuelled riots.
Two new firefighters, Sam Rose and Tom Mason, have joined Clacton and Colchester fire stations after completing 17 weeks of training. Sam has been awarded top recruit and is based in Colchester, while Tom, a third-generation firefighter, is stationed at Clacton and has already responded to multiple emergency incidents.
Reform UK made a gaffe by calling Ipswich a 'city' in a recruitment document for council candidates, while desperately seeking a last-minute candidate to fill a vacant ward position. The mistake comes amid broader criticism of Nigel Farage's recent visit to Ipswich Town FC, which drew community backlash.
British crypto billionaire Ben Delo has donated £4m to Reform UK, the party led by Clacton MP Nigel Farage. Delo, a Trump-pardoned businessman convicted of anti-money-laundering violations, explains his donation as support for Farage's vision of fixing Britain, though the Guardian has previously documented his complex network of political funding across the spectrum.
Nigel Farage, the Clacton MP, has pledged that Reform UK will block visa requests from countries demanding slavery reparations from Britain, framing this as a stance against what he views as unfair UN pressure. The party links this position to their broader migration control and foreign aid review agenda.
A new YouGov poll shows Rupert Lowe's far-right Restore Britain party polling at 4%, potentially siphoning support from Nigel Farage's Reform UK ahead of May elections. The article examines how Lowe is employing Farage's own tactics of positioning to the right of the establishment party to gain ground, creating a 'Nigel Farage problem' for Farage himself.
Easy Mobility Services in Clacton-on-Sea has reopened nearly eight months after a deliberate fire in August 2025 destroyed the shop and forced a prolonged closure. The reopening is welcomed by local customers who relied on the shop for mobility equipment repairs and support services.
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