Clacton By-Election Candidate Profile

Martin Davies

Freedom Alliance
Real People, Real Alternative!

I met Martin at the Clacton by-election hustings at Clacton Town Hall on 6 August 2026 and found him to be very professional, well-informed and genuine.

Martin Davies, Freedom Alliance candidate for Clacton
Photo supplied by Martin Davies

Meeting Martin

My personal impression by Martyn OBrien – 7th August 2026

I met Martin Davies at the Clacton by-election hustings at Clacton Town Hall on Thursday 6 August 2026.

Martin and I are competing for the same job, but politics does not mean that I have to pretend every other candidate is terrible.

Having met Martin and listened to him speak, I found him to be very professional, well-informed and genuine.

He clearly knew his subject, answered questions seriously and came across as someone who genuinely believes in what he is standing for.

Martin was also kind enough to contact me afterwards and provide information about himself and his campaign so that Clacton voters can find out more about him directly.

With 34 names on the ballot paper, I think voters deserve the opportunity to learn something meaningful about the people asking for their vote, rather than only hearing about the candidates receiving the most national media coverage.

Who is Martin Davies?

Martin is standing in the Clacton by-election for Freedom Alliance, under the ballot description “Freedom Alliance – Real People, Real Alternative!”

Candidate
Martin Davies
Party
Freedom Alliance
Party role
Leader and Treasurer
Polling day
Thursday 13 August 2026

Martin became Leader of Freedom Alliance in March 2026.

Before entering politics, Martin spent 37 years with Lloyds Banking Group, including senior management roles.

His professional experience included branch management, sales and service, as well as regulatory areas including GDPR, PPI and pensions.

Is Martin local to Clacton?

Martin does not claim to be a Clacton resident.

Martin has been straightforward about the fact that he does not live in Clacton and has not previously lived here.

He says that during his career he has lived and worked in different parts of Britain, including Norwich and London.

Importantly, when asked about areas where he does not yet have detailed local knowledge, he has not tried to pretend otherwise.

Martin says the people who live and work in Clacton know their town better than he does, and that he would listen to residents and local organisations before developing detailed proposals.

I think voters should know the local connection of every candidate and make their own judgement about how important that is.

Why is Martin standing?

Freedom Alliance says it decided to contest the by-election because it believed Clacton voters should have another serious political choice.

The party initially asked whether one of its local members wanted to stand. When none chose to do so, Martin stepped forward in his role as Party Leader.

Martin has also criticised the rules which allow a sitting MP to resign and then immediately contest the by-election caused by that resignation.

He has said that while the process may be legal, he does not believe it reflects the spirit of fair democratic representation.

Martin’s priorities for Clacton

Martin has identified three immediate priorities if elected.

1

Listen to local people

Regular town hall meetings and digital engagement so residents can raise issues and influence his work as their MP.

2

Regenerate the town centre

Support the regeneration of Clacton’s High Street and town centre and make the area more attractive to shoppers, visitors and investors.

3

Create long-term jobs

Encourage investment which creates skilled and sustainable employment opportunities for local people.

Supporting Clacton’s businesses

One of Martin’s more specific proposals concerns the cost of business rates for small independent shops.

He has said he would campaign for the abolition of business rates for small independent shops, either permanently or through a phased reduction over several years.

He also wants parking, bus services and rail connections reviewed to make visiting Clacton easier and more affordable, alongside initiatives which encourage people to spend money with local independent businesses.

Anti-social behaviour

Martin has said he would look at expanding successful initiatives such as Community Wardens, while also addressing the causes of anti-social behaviour, including through education.

On subjects where he does not yet have detailed knowledge of specific local problems, Martin has said he would speak to residents and local organisations before making promises.

If Martin became Clacton’s MP

Martin says that if elected he would establish a local base and hold regular advice surgeries across the constituency.

He says he would spend time in Parliament speaking up for Clacton’s interests while remaining easily accessible to residents.

Freedom Alliance also says that it accepts no corporate sponsorship, and Martin says his priority as an MP would be the people he represents.

In Martin’s own words

Martin Davies

Martin’s Clacton Gazette candidate statement

NOT A CAREER POLITICIAN. NOT CORPORATE-FUNDED.
A REAL ALTERNATIVE FOR CLACTON

I am Martin Davies, Freedom Alliance Party Leader, recently retired after a career with Lloyds Banking Group. I am standing because politics should be about serving people – not advancing careers, rewarding donors or following the party whip.

POSITIVE POLITICS

Freedom Alliance believes in positive politics, done by and for ordinary people. We are volunteer-run, member-funded and accept no corporate sponsorship. Our priorities are shaped by the people we represent – not wealthy donors or vested interests.

LOCAL POWER. LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY.

For Clacton, I would:

  • Help attract visitors and customers through initiatives such as Totally Locally, support better tax and business-rate structures, and press for local investment and jobs.
  • Support Town Rangers and Community Wardens to keep streets clean and safe.
  • Promote Community Councils and give residents a stronger voice.
  • Celebrate Clacton’s natural beauty and attractions year-round.

I would establish a local base, hold regular advice surgeries and remain accessible and accountable to residents.

FREEDOM, FAIRNESS, RESPONSIBILITY

Freedom Alliance stands for freedom of speech, movement, religious expression and, above all, freedom of choice. We oppose compulsory Digital ID systems and believe government should be far more transparent about who influences its decisions and how taxpayers’ money is spent.

I spent my career managing teams, solving problems and bringing people together. If elected, I would listen to Clacton residents and work constructively with anyone who has a good idea – wherever it comes from.

Candidate statement supplied directly by Martin Davies.

Candidate to candidate

Politics does not have to mean pretending that everybody standing against you is an idiot, an extremist or an enemy.

Martin and I are competing for the same job. Ultimately, Clacton voters will decide which of us, if either, they want to represent them.

Having actually met Martin, listened to him and spoken with him, I am perfectly happy to say that my personal impression was positive.

I found him professional, well-informed and genuine, and I am pleased that Clacton voters have the opportunity to hear what he has to say.

Martyn OBrien
Independent candidate for Clacton

Sources and further information

This profile uses information supplied directly by Martin Davies together with information published by Freedom Alliance and official election sources. Readers are encouraged to check the original material themselves.

The comments describing my meeting with Martin Davies are my own personal observations from the Clacton by-election hustings at Clacton Town Hall on 6 August 2026.