In a pivotal move for the Clacton by-election, John Stevens, a former Member of the European Parliament, is campaigning for the Rejoin the EU Party, seeking to reignite the debate over Brexit. With Nigel Farage’s resignation from the constituency, Stevens argues that voters deserve a serious discussion, rather than being the punchline of an inside joke between politicians.
A Serious Contest
Stevens is vocal about his concerns regarding media portrayals of the ongoing by-election, which he believes trivialise the electoral process. “This is not a joke election from the perspective of people in Clacton,” he stated, emphasising that the candidacy of Count Binface is not well received among local constituents. “The Binface saga is going down like a lead balloon. People feel they are the butt of an inside Westminster joke,” he added.
Despite Clacton’s strong support for Brexit—70 per cent of voters backed Leave in the 2016 referendum—Stevens contends that sentiments are shifting. He noted that younger voters and women are increasingly questioning the decision, suggesting there is potential for a significant anti-Brexit vote.
Challenging the Status Quo
Stevens, who previously served as a Conservative MEP until 1999, aims to leverage this by-election as a platform to challenge Farage. He believes a strong anti-Brexit showing could significantly damage Farage’s standing and the Reform Party’s cause. “If he gets a significant anti-Brexit vote… that is far more damaging to him than simply being humiliated by a dustbin,” he remarked.
The former MEP highlighted that the stakes extend beyond personal rivalries. “This is an opportunity to hit Farage where it really hurts,” he asserted, while acknowledging the uphill battle he faces in a constituency with a strong Leave legacy.
A New Dialogue on Brexit
Stevens’ campaign centres on fostering a reconciliatory approach to Brexit. He argues that both Leavers and Remainers share the responsibility for the referendum outcome, advocating for a collective acknowledgment of past mistakes. “We mustn’t have a confrontation between Leavers and Remainers… it’s got to be much more reconciliatory,” he explained.
He believes that the Labour Party, while hesitant to fully embrace the idea of rejoining the EU, has a significant number of backbenchers who favour this direction. Stevens is hopeful that, should he perform well in Clacton, mainstream parties will be emboldened to bring the subject back into the political conversation.
Engaging with the Constituency
As he canvasses door-to-door in Clacton, Stevens reports a mixed but hopeful response. Many constituents express doubt about the effectiveness of Brexit, particularly among women. “Quite a few people say ‘no, well, Brexit hasn’t worked,’ particularly many women more than men,” he recounted. He sees the by-election as a crucial opportunity for voters to voice their opinions on an issue that has fallen off the political agenda.
Stevens’ previous encounters with Farage underscore his determination. In 2010, he faced Farage in Buckingham, securing over 10,000 votes and finishing second. His experience and commitment to engaging with Clacton’s electorate could serve as a catalyst for broader discussions on Brexit.
Why it Matters
The Clacton by-election represents more than a local contest; it could signal a shift in public sentiment regarding Brexit. As voters grapple with the implications of their past choices, Stevens’ campaign may challenge the narrative surrounding Brexit, potentially influencing national discourse. Should he succeed in galvanising support for rejoining the EU, it could compel mainstream parties to reconsider their positions and reinvigorate the debate on Britain’s future relationship with Europe.
