Piers Corbyn will stand in the Clacton by-election against Nigel Farage, adding his name to a contest already drawing several outsider candidates. Corbyn, 79, said he is standing to offer "genuine, independent scrutiny" in Parliament.
On his website, Corbyn said the campaign is about proper representation and accountability in both science and politics. The same statement said he offers a "genuine independent alternative; no party machine, no spin, just a candidate who will fight for Clacton."
Piers Corbyn in Parliament Square
Corbyn posted a video on X from in front of Winston Churchill's statue in Parliament Square. In that video, he said he was "standing to win, because you've got to have real change in parliament" and said Nigel Farage "isn't what it says on the tin".
Nigel Farage stepped down on Tuesday and said he will also be standing in the Clacton by-election. That leaves Clacton voters facing a ballot that already includes Laurence Fox, Ollie Granger, Count Binface and Luke Worley, with the contest now centered on two high-profile names who each describe themselves as outside the usual party line.
Clacton by-election on August 13
The by-election is expected to take place on August 13. With Corbyn and Farage both in the race, the immediate question is how many candidates will ultimately make the ballot before polling day in Clacton.
