Britain's first city by Roman roots, now a modern Essex hub
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP to trigger a by-election in Clacton, arguing the voters should judge his actions. With major parties abstaining, Count Binface and a slate of independents are contesting the race, which is drawing scrutiny over Farage’s finances and a parliamentary standards inquiry.
The Clacton by-election has been shaped by Nigel Farage’s decision to resign and stand again, amid undeclared gifts investigations. Major parties have refused to field candidates, leaving Count Binface as a notable challenger. The race centers on Farage’s credibility and the satirical Binface’s unusual bid.
Nigel Farage has resigned his Clacton seat to trigger a by-election, where major parties are abstaining. Count Binface emerges as the main challenger, with a lineup of independent contenders including Piers Corbyn and Laurence Fox amid questions over the process and finances.
Contenders for the next James Bond are narrowing as auditions near a decision. Bookmakers rate Callum Turner as a leading favourite, with Louis Partridge and Tom Francis among others in the frame. Denis Villeneuve is directing the next film for Amazon MGM Studios.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged by the FA over the Spygate spying scandal that led to the club being expelled from the Championship play-offs. The FA alleges he directed observers to monitor training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough, in a move that has irrevocably shaken the club’s status and could lead to further punishment.
A large wildfire on Dunwich Heath, Suffolk, has stabilised with firefighting progress reported. About 90 firefighters are on scene, with 50 people evacuated from homes and a nearby caravan site. The blaze, near Sizewell B, is being monitored by EDF; authorities say there is currently no risk to the power station. The incident is ongoing as teams work to prevent reignition amid changing winds.
Rwanda FDA has closed dozens of facilities, revoked licences, and ordered recalls as health concerns from illicit alcohol escalate. Officials report deaths, eye injuries, and hundreds of medical cases in the first half of 2026, prompting ongoing enforcement and further facility shutdowns.
A flurry of late-career breakthroughs in sport shows athletes are redefining peak performance. From a 60-year-old British skater heading to the World Skate Games to young rising stars in CrossFit and track, competitors are challenging age norms and adding new chapters to their stories.
Nigel Farage has triggered a by-election in Clacton after stepping down. Major parties are not fielding candidates amid questions over a £5m gift and possible standards investigations. Count Binface is a notable independent contender as voter turnout and polling shape the race.
Essex Police are investigating serious collisions involving an electric bike rider near Clacton-on-Sea and a lorry collision on the A12 near Colchester. One child remains in hospital with serious injuries, while a young girl has died following a separate incident on the A12. Police are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage.
An inquest has opened into the death of John Orton, a 78-year-old retiree who died from severe chest injuries after being trampled by cattle at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk, on July 13. The post-mortem provisional cause is severe chest injuries. The inquest was opened in Norfolk Coroner's Court and is adjourned until next year as investigations continue.
A wave of measures has expanded support for families as the new term begins: free school meals for all Universal Credit households, more free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniforms through branded-item limits, and thousands of extra childcare places. The changes aim to ease the financial squeeze and ensure children start classes ready to learn.
Suffolk residents from across ages report nervousness about cashless car parks after a spate of fines and app issues. BBC figures show millions of private charges, while incidents include a 89-year-old fined under a five-minute grace policy and a scam linked to QR codes.
Essex County Council has announced a three-month trial to deploy private security to town centres in Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford as migrants travel from Wethersfield to access local services. The plan expands the Wethersfield base population from about 800 to 1,220 and is part of a broader effort to end asylum hotels and move residents to alternative accommodation. The Home Office says there is no evidence of increased crime linked to migrants. Critics say the scheme is a costly political gesture.
The Guardian reports ministers are pursuing an inclusion-led overhaul of SEND in England, with funding and universal support in mainstream schools, while EHCPs may be streamlined by 2030. A Colchester school is cited as a blueprint for broader reform, amid a surge in EHCP applications and funding pressures for local authorities.