Douglas Carswell’s defection to UKIP did not seem to have put off all his constituents – although there was concern among some loyal Conservatives at his decision to leave the party.

Catherine and Bhagwan Dhanjal from Holland on Sea felt that his decision would be widely welcomed.

Mrs Dhanjal said: “I think he is getting more in line with what people here are saying – we are a small island and we just cannot keep taking more people.”

That was a sentiment backed up by Ron Collier from the Tudor Estate in the town. “Good for him!” He said. “I will be happy to support him standing for UKIP.”

However another couple waiting for a bus felt that Mr Carswell was letting down the party that had got him elected in the first place. They did not want to be named, but the husband said: “I’ve always been a Conservative. I don’t like turncoats!”

Pat Walby from Bockings End had voted for Mr Carswell in the past and would do so again in the by-election.

She said: “He’s been a very good MP and has worked very hard. I think he’s doing the right thing and I will continue to support him.”

However in the general election she was not so certain which way she would be voting: “The important thing then will be to keep Labour out. I will see how it is looking,” she said.

The town itself was full of tourists and daytrippers from outside Clacton who were taking advantage of the fine weather for a last trip out with the children before the end of the school holidays.

Westminister politics was far from the thoughts of most younger people.

But Aimee Nicholson from Great Clacton was happy with Mr Carswell’s decision. “I would vote for him 100%. I like him as an MP and I like UKIP. They taking about things that concern us,” she said.