Piers Corbyn, the 79-year-old brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, will stand in Clacton, where Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is also contesting the seat.
Mr Corbyn, a long-time campaigner and scientist, said he is standing to offer “genuine, independent scrutiny” in Parliament.
A statement on his website said: “This campaign is about proper representation and accountability in both science and politics.
https://t.co/2TfQPH00qP
— Piers Corbyn (@Piers_Corbyn) July 8, 2026
“In the Clacton on Sea by-election , voters face a familiar choice between the establishment parties and figures such as Nigel Farage and Reform UK – with novelty candidates like Count Binface also on the ballot.
“Piers Corbyn offers a genuine independent alternative; no party machine, no spin, just a candidate who will fight for Clacton .”
He also posted on his X page a video of him stood in front of Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square, stating he will be “standing to win, because you’ve got to have real change in parliament”.
He also claimed Nigel Farage “isn’t what it says on the tin”.
He becomes one of a number of outsiders to put their name forward in the contest after Nigel Farage stepped down on Tuesday, announcing he will also be standing in the by-election.
Others such as former actor Laurence Fox, independent candidate Ollie Granger, satirical candidate Count Binface, and Clacton-born reality TV star Luke Worley have all said they will challenge.
The by-election is expected to take place on August 13.
