To Clacton, for some focus groups to explore what local voters make of the rather unusual by-election that has been thrust upon them. Why is it happening? How do they feel about 34 candidates, only one of whom is from a major party? What do they think of its instigator? And what are they going to do?
Explanations for Nigel Farage’s decision to stand down and offer himself for re-election varied – including media harassment and complaints that the government would not provide adequate security – but ultimately, they thought he was trying to make a point: “He wants to show everyone that even after the £5 million bung, they still want me, so there must be something I’ve got that they want.” Some, including a number of his own former voters, were rather more baffled: “I thought it was a bit peculiar and I can’t understand why he wants to do it again. I just think, if you wanted to stand down, just clear off;” “He talks about putting two fingers up to the establishment. But he is the establishment. He’s always been part of the establishment. So I don’t get that.”
I thought it was a bit peculiar
Local people – again including his own voters – were divided as to whether Farage was right to use a by-election to make a political point. Some thought it was justified and even courageous: “He’s quite brave, I think;” “He wanted to show that the people of Clacton wanted to keep him, and I think that’s reasonable. Even though I will vote for Binface.”
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