A man dressed as a bin is challenging Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, in the Clacton by-election. Count Binface, the satirical persona of comedian Jon Harvey, has emerged as the main challenger to Farage, who resigned as the Member of Parliament for Clacton-on-Sea in July, triggering the by-election.
Farage's resignation followed scrutiny over significant financial gifts, including £5 million from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and benefits from convicted fraudster George Cottrell. Farage stated the funds were generous gifts and that he had done nothing wrong, but an investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards was launched. He then resigned to allow the public of Clacton to decide.
Major political parties boycotted the by-election, leaving Farage unopposed by mainstream candidates. Count Binface stepped in to challenge Farage, presenting himself as an intergalactic space warrior and leader of the Recyclons from the planet Sigma IX. His campaign aims to satirize political norms and address local issues in Clacton, a community that has historically faced economic challenges.
Clacton, located in Essex, has a complex political history. It was the only constituency to elect a UKIP MP in a general election and a significant portion of its residents voted for Brexit. However, the area has also been highlighted for its deprivation, with a notable percentage of working-age residents relying on benefits, a fact that has been previously featured in media portrayals.
Count Binface, whose real name is Jon Harvey, has a history of standing in elections against prominent politicians. He previously ran as Lord Buckethead before a copyright dispute led to the change in persona. His past electoral challenges include standing against Boris Johnson in 2019 and Rishi Sunak in 2024, as well as running twice for London Mayor against Sadiq Khan. While he has not historically secured enough votes to recover his deposit, his campaign in Clacton has gained attention.
Harvey, a graduate of Oxford University, has worked as a scriptwriter for satirical television programs. His campaign pledges include building affordable homes, capping bus fares, and limiting ice cream prices. He has also stated he will not accept large gifts from millionaires and will spend more time in Clacton than Nigel Farage. A portion of the proceeds from his campaign merchandise goes to the homeless charity Shelter.
Recent polling suggests Nigel Farage is leading with approximately 71% of the vote, while Count Binface is estimated to have 20% and is reportedly gaining support. Discussions with Clacton residents reveal a divided opinion on Farage, with some viewing him as a divisive figure and others as a trustworthy politician. Some voters see Binface as a protest vote against the current political landscape.
The dynamic of the Clacton by-election has drawn parallels to the 1997 general election when independent anti-sleaze candidate Martin Bell won the Tatton seat, defeating Neil Hamilton amid a political corruption scandal. Count Binface has conceded that while Farage may win numerically, he may not win 'morally'.