Laurence Fox
Former actor turned political activist, founder and leader of The Reclaim Party. Fox is one of the most nationally recognisable candidates in the Clacton by-election and has built his campaign primarily around freedom of speech.
At a glance
Laurence Fox is standing for Parliament in Clacton for The Reclaim Party, the political party he leads.
Before politics: actor to activist
Unlike most candidates in the election, Laurence Fox was already a nationally known public figure long before entering politics.
Best known as DS James Hathaway in Lewis
Fox had a lengthy acting career across television, film and theatre. His best known television role was Detective Sergeant James Hathaway, appearing alongside Kevin Whately in ITV’s Oxford detective drama Lewis. He appeared in the series for many years before moving increasingly into political campaigning and commentary.
Question Time and political prominence
Fox became increasingly prominent in political and cultural debate following a widely discussed appearance on BBC Question Time in 2020. He says the reaction to his comments contributed to the end of his established acting career and strengthened his focus on free speech.
The Reclaim Party
Fox became leader of The Reclaim Party, which places freedom of speech at the centre of its political identity. The party has also campaigned on immigration, borders, policing, net zero, education and opposition to what it describes as ideological capture of institutions.
His campaign for Clacton
Fox’s published Clacton campaign is unusually focused. Rather than presenting a conventional long list of local policies, his principal message is that freedom of speech and genuine political debate are under threat.
This is the central message on Fox’s official Clacton election leaflet and Reclaim’s current Clacton campaign.
What Fox is campaigning on
Why Clacton?
Fox says he is standing in Clacton because the constituency is only a short distance from his home and because he believes voters deserve a genuinely contested election.
He has also said that although he disagrees with Nigel Farage on a number of issues, those disagreements should be argued publicly rather than major parties simply avoiding the contest.
His campaign announcement described his candidacy as an attempt to “elevate the fight on the right”.
Laurence Fox’s Clacton election leaflet
A Reclaim Party election communication for the Clacton by-election was uploaded to ElectionLeaflets.org on 6 August 2026.
Political position
Fox and Reclaim combine socially conservative positions, strong opposition to progressive identity politics, tougher positions on immigration and an especially strong emphasis on freedom of speech.
This is an approximate Clacton.org editorial estimate based on published party policies, campaign material and political statements. It is not a position supplied or approved by Laurence Fox or The Reclaim Party.
Outspoken and controversial
Fox has deliberately built much of his political identity around saying things he believes other politicians, broadcasters and institutions are unwilling to say. Supporters see that as directness and resistance to censorship. Critics often regard his language as inflammatory or offensive.
Free speech is central to his politics
Reclaim describes freedom of speech as the fundamental underpinning of democracy. Fox regularly argues that people should be able to express unpopular or controversial views without losing employment, being censored or facing disproportionate consequences.
The GB News controversy
In September 2023 Fox made comments about political journalist Ava Evans during an appearance on GB News.
Ofcom later ruled that the programme breached Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code, finding that the comments were potentially highly offensive, misogynistic and were not sufficiently challenged or contextualised during the broadcast.
Previous elections
Fox has previously contested several significant elections. The current Clacton by-election is not included in the completed results below.
4th of 17
Not elected
Candidate links
Sources and further information
Official campaign:
The Reclaim Party, Clacton for Freedom
Confirmed candidate and election history:
Democracy Club / Who Can I Vote For?
Clacton candidate confirmation:
Tendring District Council
Election leaflet:
ElectionLeaflets.org
Reclaim Party registration:
Electoral Commission
GB News broadcast ruling:
Ofcom
2023 Uxbridge result:
London Borough of Hillingdon