EIGHT candidates will fight the Clacton by-election.

The by-election, set for October 9, takes place following the resignation of Tory MP Douglas Carswell.

Mr Carswell defected to Ukip, for whom he will stand in the election.

The deadline for nominations was 4pm today.

The candidates are: Douglas Carswell (UKIP), Andy Graham, (Lib Dem), Howling Laud Hope (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party), Charlotte Rose (Ind), Bruce Francis Sizer (Ind), Chris Southall (Green), Giles Watling (Con), Tim Young (Lab).

One nomination – that of the Scottish Jacobite Party’s John Black - was declared as invalid because the correct paperwork was not submitted in time.