The by-election in Clacton - triggered by Nigel Farage's decision to quit as an MP and then immediately try to reclaim his seat - will be held on August 13. Because nothing says 'principled statesman' like resigning and then running for the exact same job.

The main Westminster parties are boycotting the contest, viewing it as a stunt, leaving comedy candidate Count Binface as the highest-profile opponent for the Reform UK leader. Yes, a literal bin is now more politically relevant than half the House of Commons.

Other candidates include actor and political activist Laurence Fox (because one failed vanity campaign wasn't enough) and some local residents who presumably just wanted to feel something.

Reform UK had originally hoped the vote would be on August 6, but Tendring District Council received the writ on Friday and announced the date would be a week later. Democracy: it's like waiting for a bus, except the bus is a bin and it might win.

Acting returning officer Ian Davidson said the electoral timetable is 'set out by law,' which is bureaucrat-speak for 'we can't just do what Nigel wants.' He urged residents to register and check they have valid ID, because apparently showing up to vote is now an obstacle course.

Nominations open Monday with a deadline of July 17. Residents not already registered have until July 28 to apply. So if you live in Clacton and want a say in who represents you - be it a populist, a bin, or a man who thinks he's a fox - now's your chance.