Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, will face a record field of 33 opponents in a by-election for his former parliamentary seat in Clacton, triggered by his resignation earlier this month amid controversy over undeclared gifts and donations.

Tendring District Council, administering the vote, confirmed that the 34-candidate field is believed to be the largest ever for a UK parliamentary election, far exceeding the typical handful of contenders.

Farage resigned as MP for Clacton after weeks of scrutiny over a £5 million ($6.7 million) gift from a billionaire cryptocurrency investor, which he initially failed to declare. Further questions arose about other donations, including allegations that one donor was a convicted fraudster. Farage denies any wrongdoing and claims he is standing again to let voters decide his fate.

Britain's main political parties are boycotting the by-election, dismissing it as a "media circus," leaving the contest to smaller parties, independents, and satirical candidates.

Notable challengers include comedian Jon Harvey, running as Count Binface—a novelty candidate who campaigns wearing a metal bin on his head—and Alan "Howling Laud" Hope, leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party. Actor-turned-far-right politician Lawrence Fox is also on the ballot.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London, Farage said: "The people of Clacton can decide whether they back me or whether they back the establishment. I’ve taken a punt because I like a gamble. I think they’re going to come down on my side."

Online prediction market Polymarket gives Farage an implied probability of about 95% of winning, with Count Binface a distant second. The election is scheduled for August 13.

Source: www.aljazeera.com