In the upcoming Clacton by-election, John Stevens, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP), is positioning himself as a challenger to Nigel Farage while advocating for a renewed discussion on the prospect of rejoining the EU. Stevens, representing the Rejoin EU Party, believes that local voters are unsettled by the media’s framing of the contest as a trivial spectacle featuring Farage and a comedic candidate, Count Binface. He asserts that this election is a serious opportunity for constituents to voice their dissatisfaction with Brexit.
A Serious Contest Amidst Humour
Stevens has expressed concern that the portrayal of the by-election as a farce diminishes the genuine political concerns of the Clacton electorate. “This is not a joke election from the perspective of people in Clacton,” he stated. The local sentiment, he argues, reveals a growing frustration among voters who feel they are being ridiculed in what they perceive as an inside Westminster joke.
He also highlighted that the current political landscape has shifted since the 2016 referendum, particularly among younger voters and women, who are increasingly questioning the benefits of Brexit. Despite Clacton’s historical support for the Leave campaign—where 70 per cent of the electorate voted to exit the EU—Stevens believes there is now an opportunity to challenge that narrative.
Challenging Farage’s Dominance
Stevens has taken aim at Farage’s expected dominance in the by-election, suggesting that the veteran politician is seeking “North Korean levels of support,” aiming for a staggering 95 per cent majority. He believes the absence of major parties contesting the seat could serve as a double-edged sword for Farage. “If he receives a significant anti-Brexit vote, it could be far more damaging to him than a loss to a humorous opponent,” Stevens remarked.
The former MEP, who served with the Conservatives until 1999, is adamant that this by-election presents a unique chance to challenge Farage on a critical issue that remains largely unaddressed in contemporary political discourse. He emphasised, “This is your chance to have an absolutely clean fight to express an opinion on something which nobody’s talking about—not even Nigel Farage wants to talk about Brexit.”
A Call for Unity and Reflection
In his campaign, Stevens advocates for a reconciliatory approach to the Brexit debate, suggesting that both Leavers and Remainers share responsibility for the current situation. He posits that former Remainers must acknowledge their part in the Brexit outcome rather than solely assigning blame to those who voted to leave. “We all made a mistake and we’re all going to correct it together,” he implored, urging a shift in discourse towards collaboration rather than confrontation.
Stevens’ campaign is not without precedent; he previously faced off against Farage in 2010, where he secured over 10,000 votes in Buckingham, ultimately finishing second. This experience informs his current strategy, as he seeks to galvanise a pro-European sentiment in a constituency that has historically leaned towards Leave.
Why it Matters
The Clacton by-election represents a critical juncture for the ongoing Brexit debate. As political dynamics evolve, the outcome could signal a resurgence of pro-EU sentiment in areas previously seen as staunchly pro-Leave. Stevens’ candidacy may not only impact Farage’s political standing but could also influence the broader conversation about the UK’s relationship with the EU, potentially emboldening other political figures to reconsider their stances on rejoining the bloc. In a time of increasing political division, this election may serve as a litmus test for the electorate’s appetite for change.
