Voting is underway in Clacton-on-Sea as a historic number of candidates compete to become the town’s next Member of Parliament.
A total of 79,785 registered voters in the Essex coastal constituency will choose from 34 candidates – the highest number ever recorded in a UK election.
Fifty-one polling stations have opened across Clacton and neighboring communities including Jaywick, Frinton, and Walton-on-the-Naze, as well as rural villages such as St Osyth, Weeley, and Great Bentley.
All voters must present valid photographic identification, such as a driving licence or passport, before casting their ballots.
Candidates will be listed on what is expected to be the longest ballot paper in British electoral history, measuring approximately 90cm (3 feet) in length.
The field includes representatives from 12 political parties alongside 20 independent candidates.
Polling stations will remain open to eligible voters until 22:00, with results scheduled to be counted overnight.