Andy Erlam working with you for a better Clacton

Press Release 9th August 2026.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE. "Never trust a clown who trades the circus for public office." Clacton candidate hits out at joke candidates. Further details: 07414 751850.

The joke candidates in the Clacton By-election have made a mockery of a vitally important by-election dealing with important issues, says Independent Candidate, Andy Erlam.

He also criticises "lazy journalism" and 'the conspiracy of the main political parties" to ignore Clacton.

Erlam who took the successful election petition in Tower Hamlets which resulted in the banning of Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for vote rigging in 2015, says "Never trust a clown who tries to trade the circus for the podium." He says there have been numerous sayings about this (see below). He also previously worked for Peter Hain and John Healey. He has been a parliamentary candidate 3 times previously.

"It's a free country, but I think the joke candidates insult the intelligence of the Clacton electorate."

He says that it's also a matter of concern that the Conservatives, Labour, LibDems and the Greens all immediately made "a secret agreement" together not to field candidates. "The logic escapes me and I understand that Labour is actually backing one of the joke candidates, in any case. The Tories are also active with one candidate, behind the scenes."

"Lazy journalism is also at play, during the summer silly season, with the Today Programme interviewing a man with a dustbin on his head! The BBC and all the television channels have broken Ofcom rules and the BBC Charter has been broken requiring fairness by deliberately focusing on two candidates. It betrays democracy. He has made formal complaints to Ofcom and the Director General of the BBC and asked the media to correct matters in the 3 days ahead of the election campaign.

"The Grand National starts with 34 horses, so what is so hilarious about 34 people wanting to be Clacton's MP? It's a compliment!" He points out that being an independent candidate is financially expensive and that candidates give up time with family, etc. "This by-election proves that we can do without political parties."

He says the local media is "a disgrace". "The local paper, the Clacton Gazette, has become Reform UK's house magazine and disgracefully carried huge, expensive, advertising from Farage who is rarely seen in town." He says the local paper is not worthy of the name and that staff cynically tried to sell inferior space to independent candidates exploiting their enthusiasm and refused to publish Erlam's letter of complaint. "The Gazette needs to be replaced by a new genuine community newspaper which respects its readership and its community. If elected, I will support such a project.

"Clacton people are being bullied by Reform, the media and joke candidates."

"There are very serious issues to address. Life and death issues. These include: the cost of living, lack of good employment and an absentee MP who cynically seeks to manipulate people's feelings. There is a serious desire and proposals for constructive reforms locally and nationally."

"The public knew that the main political parties worked together behind the scenes. Thier "conspiracy" over Clacton proves it. So what choice do the electorate normally have?"

The candidate is critical of the local Tendring District Council which blocked post getting to councillors about the election and refused to provide meeting rooms for election hustings. Erlam was told his letter to all councillors would not be forwarded and would be destroyed after the election. "The authorities here want shaking-up!" he says.

"The people of Clacton are not fools."

- ENDS -

Note to Editors.

Familiar sayings:
Never trust a clown who trades the circus for public office.
When a clown seeks power, the joke becomes the public.
A clown in politics is still a clown—just with a microphone.
Beware the clown who wants a crown.
Not every clown belongs in a circus; some campaign for office.
When the clown runs for office, expect the circus to follow.
A painted smile doesn't make a politician.
Never hand the keys to the circus to the clown running it.
Some clowns seek laughter; others seek votes. Trust neither with the country.
The biggest red flag is a clown asking for your vote.

 

My name is Andy and I'm passionate about making Clacton an even better place to live, work, and thrive. This website is dedicated to sharing my vision, keeping you updated on local initiatives, and fostering a strong, engaged community.