Cameron Poole

Cameron Poole reflects on the unusually prominent Clacton by-election, which attracted international media attention and featured 14 candidates, including Nigel Farage and Count Binface. The article criticizes racist and divisive remarks attributed to British Democratic Party candidate Kai Stephens, while praising Martyn O'Brien and others for rejecting the portrayal of Clacton as racist. It concludes that although the campaign exposed hostility and extremism, it also increased political engagement among people of different ages.

Belle Willcox, a 19-year-old Lift Tendring student born with spina bifida, achieved A-level grades of A in criminology, A in business studies and B in psychology despite passing out during one exam and requiring an ambulance. She has an unconditional offer to study psychology with education at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and hopes to become an educational psychologist.

Essex screenwriter, actor and musician Dave Garlick has co-written and appears in Going Under, a crime film starring Ray Winstone and Danny Dyer. Directed by Garlick’s longtime collaborator David Beton, the film follows ageing gangster Riley as he attempts to resolve a major debt while rescuing his kidnapped daughter and protecting his family. Garlick describes the production as a surreal, emotional family affair, with his daughter Lola also appearing and much of the filming taking place near his former home. Going Under is scheduled for release in UK and Ireland cinemas in spring 2027 through Vertigo Releasing.

Count Binface, the satirical candidate and comedian Jon Harvey, discusses his Clacton by-election campaign while calling for Clacton to host Eurovision in 2028. He argues that the seaside town's entertainment culture and setting make it a better venue than major arenas, proposes a song titled “You've got a point,” and jokes about avoiding the Looping Star rollercoaster until after polling day. The interview also references his challenge to Nigel Farage and his previous 2021 London mayoral campaign.

Count Binface, the comedian and independent candidate Jon Harvey, campaigns in Clacton by-election by meeting the Gazette at a Toby Carvery and promoting his humorous “intergalactic space warrior” persona. He proposes filling potholes with copies of the 2024 Labour manifesto, requiring oil and gas companies to fund solar panels, and adjusting business rates to revive the high street. He frames his candidacy as an alternative to Nigel Farage and the mainstream parties, urges residents to defend democracy, and highlights local concerns over roads, empty shops and declining town-centre footfall.

A man died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Frinton seafront, despite being brought ashore and treated by emergency services. Essex Police said his family had been informed and supported, while police, ambulances, an air ambulance and HM Coastguard remained at the scene. Eyewitnesses described the incident as distressing. The death is the third reported sea-related fatality on the Sunshine Coast this summer, following deaths at Walton beach, Clacton and West Mersea. Frinton Town Councillor Terry Allen offered condolences and said authorities should investigate whether anything can be done to prevent further deaths.

The Robin Hood pub on London Road in Clacton reopened on July 18 after a major refurbishment. Improvements include a redesigned beer garden, additional booth seating, a cocktail station, app or table ordering, and a private dining room for up to 40 guests. The pub has introduced a new menu and various dining and drinks offers, alongside weekly quizzes, bingo, monthly drag events, summer live music, community coffee mornings and litter picks.

Colchester councillor Martin Parsons defended his opposition to an amended Pride in Our Libraries motion, arguing that public libraries should be safe spaces for everyone and should not promote what he called contentious ideologies or give privileged access to one minority group. Conservative councillor Will Calverley criticized Parsons during the meeting, while former council leader Mark Cory proposed the amended motion. Parsons said he expected backlash and believed society had lost the ability to disagree constructively. The motion passed by 24 votes to seven.

Family-owned Colchester butcher F J Martin and Son will close on August 1 after operating since 1931. Owner Anthony “Charlie” Martin, 76, is retiring after 60 years at the Canterbury Road business, which he took over from his father Leonard in 1983. The shop employs three full-time and one part-time staff members, and the business attracted no prospective successors. Customers praised its quality meat, friendly service and longstanding role in the neighbourhood.

Colchester Council passed a motion calling on Essex County Council to reverse its decision to stop proactively promoting Pride events on social media. Reform UK group leader Andrew Harding supported having Pride displays in libraries but argued the motion was inaccurate, saying Essex County Council had not formally banned library displays and that the communications decision did not extend to local library promotion. The motion passed with 24 votes in favour, seven against and two abstentions.

Nicholas Charrington, the 65-year-old owner of Layer Marney Tower, will become Essex’s Lord Lieutenant when Jennifer Tolhurst retires on December 2 upon reaching 75. He described the appointment as both terrifying and exciting and pledged to highlight outstanding voluntary, community and business work across the county. Charrington brings extensive experience in rural, agricultural, charitable and arts organisations, while praising Tolhurst’s tenure and her role in securing recognition for Essex groups through the King’s Awards.

Colchester Council unanimously approved a motion requiring public comments, concerns and proposals received during preparation, review or amendment of the Local Plan to be analysed by planning officers. Councillor Sean Kelly said the measure would improve transparency, rebuild trust in the planning system and show residents how their views influenced decisions. The new Local Plan is expected to be submitted to the Secretary of State by December 2026, with adoption anticipated in summer 2027.

St Helena Hospice has unveiled a three-year strategy focused on expanding clinical services, increasing community outreach and investing in its 26 income-generating businesses. The plan follows £1.6 million in cuts, around 27 affected roles and the closure of 10 of its 18 beds amid financial and funding pressures. Chief executives Kate Heslegrave and Dr Karen Chumbley say the hospice has reached a financial turning point and hope to reopen most beds by 2029, subject to agreements with its new NHS commissioner. Colchester MP Pam Cox welcomed the recovery and praised plans to improve access to hospice care in people’s homes and communities.

Essex County Council cabinet member Chris Hossack confirmed that staff had been instructed not to promote Pride on Essex Libraries' social media channels, contradicting earlier claims that only non-specific themed events had been paused. He said the decision was legally considered and would be reviewed with input from councillors, residents and library staff. The council maintains that Pride events and displays were not banned in libraries and continued in branches, while campaigners and opposition councillors have criticised the policy.

An eight-year-old boy was seriously injured after being mauled by a dog while attending a birthday party in Clacton. His mother, Kylie Heath, described the unprovoked attack and the efforts to free her son before emergency services took him to hospital for treatment to injuries on his face and arm. He later required plastic surgery. Essex Police opened an investigation and appealed for information, and the dog involved has since been put down. Heath urged greater responsibility around keeping dogs in appropriate environments.

A Clacton mother with severe epilepsy thanked Cann Hall Primary School, emergency services and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance after staff quickly responded to two medical emergencies during school events, performing CPR and ensuring she received urgent care. She and her husband expressed deep gratitude for the support provided, while the school highlighted its commitment to community welfare and the importance of awareness around epilepsy.