In a pivotal moment for the Clacton by-election, former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) John Stevens is positioning his campaign as a vehicle for reigniting discussions around Brexit, urging voters to consider rejoining the European Union. Standing for the Rejoin the EU Party, Stevens contends that the local electorate is concerned about being portrayed as part of an unserious political spectacle, particularly with the presence of Nigel Farage and the comedic candidate Count Binface.
A Serious Contest Amidst Light-Hearted Jibes
Stevens, who previously served as a Conservative MEP, has expressed dissatisfaction with the media’s framing of the by-election as a trivial contest. He asserts that residents in Clacton do not appreciate being depicted as participants in what he describes as an “inside Westminster joke.” According to Stevens, “This is not a joke election from the perspective of people in Clacton. The Binface saga is going down like a lead balloon. People feel they are the butt of an inside Westminster joke.”
He believes that many constituents, particularly younger voters and women, are increasingly open to the notion of rejoining the EU, despite Clacton having strongly supported the Leave campaign during the 2016 referendum.
Farage’s Quest for Total Dominance
Stevens has issued a pointed critique of Farage’s ambitions in the by-election, suggesting that the former UKIP leader seeks an unrealistic “North Korean level of support” of over 95 per cent. He argues that the absence of mainstream party competition has created an opportunity for voters to express their discontent with Brexit. “People nationally need to understand this is not Binface versus Farage. It is an opportunity to hit Farage where it really hurts,” he stated. A significant anti-Brexit vote, he claims, would undermine Farage’s standing and the broader Reform Party agenda.
Yet, Stevens is mindful of the challenges ahead, acknowledging that the 70 per cent Leave vote in Clacton and the 62 per cent in Essex overall make his task daunting. “It may not work, but this is an opportunity worth the risk,” he remarked, hoping to encourage a resurgence of pro-European sentiment.
Engaging the Electorate on Brexit
As Stevens canvasses for support, he reports a notable shift in attitudes among constituents. “Quite a few people say, ‘no, well, Brexit hasn’t worked,’ or ‘I was against it,’ particularly many women more than men,” he noted. He emphasises the importance of using this by-election as a platform for voters to articulate their views on a topic that remains largely unaddressed. “Younger people with families question Brexit, and I’m saying, ‘this is your chance to express an opinion on something which nobody’s talking about,’” he added.
Stevens also calls for a more reconciliatory approach to the Brexit debate, urging former Remainers to acknowledge their role in the 2016 outcome. “It’s got to be much more reconciliatory. It’s just ‘we all made a mistake and we’re all going to correct it together,’” he advocated, suggesting that unity rather than division is key to moving forward.
A History of Contesting Farage
This isn’t Stevens’ first encounter with Farage; he previously competed against him in the Buckingham constituency in 2010, where he secured over 10,000 votes, surpassing Farage. His history of challenging the prominent Brexit advocate adds a layer of depth to his current campaign.
Why it Matters
The Clacton by-election presents a crucial opportunity for voters to reassess their stance on Brexit and potentially shift the political landscape in the UK. Stevens’ campaign not only aims to challenge Farage’s dominance but also seeks to bring the issue of EU membership back into the mainstream political discourse. As the electorate grapples with the consequences of Brexit, this election could serve as a litmus test for the future direction of the UK’s relationship with Europe.