A former Conservative MEP has been selected as a by-election candidate to challenge Nigel Farage.
John Stevens, the deputy leader of the Rejoin EU Party, will stand in Clacton on Thursday, August 13, and will go up against Nigel Farage.
Mr Stevens said the by-election was not about Farage’s finances or his party, but a chance for voters to take a stand on Brexit.
He said: "This by-election is not about Nigel Farage’s finances, nor those of his party, which are already subject to ongoing official Parliamentary and wider procedures.
"Nor is it a joke, for no election is a joke in a democracy.
"It's the opportunity for Clacton voters to express a judgement on the one policy pre-eminently advocated by Farage which has actually been implemented: Britain leaving the EU.
"One which is inflicting enormous, ongoing and accumulating damage upon our politics, our economy, our society and our culture."
Party leader Richard Hewison said major parties had failed voters by refusing to challenge Mr Farage in Clacton.
He said: "The people of Clacton deserve better than the meagre choice of candidates they've been offered.
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"The fact the major parties have stood down fearing they can’t beat Farage is a total abdication of responsibility that won't go unnoticed by UK voters."
Party chairman Brendan Donnelly said Brexit had hit Clacton especially hard.
He said: "Brexit has been a disaster for the whole UK, but particularly in areas such as Clacton where Brexit’s effect on the cost-of-living crisis has made life virtually unaffordable.
"Farage is unquestionably to blame and we hope the voters of Clacton will hold him accountable."
The Rejoin EU Party plans to deliver a leaflet to every home in Clacton explaining why residents should back Mr Stevens on August 13.
