Sarah Daykin, wife of the novelty political candidate Count Binface, is set to be in the public eye as her husband prepares to challenge Nigel Farage in the upcoming Clacton by-election. Voting is expected to take place next month, with Count Binface positioned as a significant challenger in what is described as a potentially farcical contest.
Count Binface is the alter ego of 46-year-old comedian Jon Harvey, a writer and producer known for his work on television shows such as "The Thick Of It" and "Have I Got News For You." Harvey's character, originally known as Lord Buckethead, first appeared in an election in 2017, challenging Theresa May. The persona later evolved into Count Binface, who has stood against other prominent political figures, including Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak.
Daykin, 41, also works in the comedy and entertainment industry. She has performed live with her sister Lizzie as part of a comedy duo called Toby, which gained a following at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre. Together, they have also authored the "Mr Men for Grown-Ups" parody series, becoming Sunday Times Bestselling Authors. Daykin has previously referred to herself as "the Countess" when supporting her husband during his electoral bids.
The couple, who have two young children, Rowan and Penelope, purchased a home in February 2021. Harvey has spoken about his experiences as a father and how, due to his snoring and his wife's recovery from a difficult pregnancy, he has been sleeping in their living room on a chair-bed for over a year.
Harvey's background also includes a passion for football, as a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur. He wrote a book, "A Fan For All Seasons: A Journey Through Life," exploring his connection to the sport and his relationship with his late brother.
The Clacton by-election was triggered after Nigel Farage resigned as the Member of Parliament for the constituency. Analysts suggest that Count Binface could potentially attract enough disaffected voters to cause embarrassment for Farage. Both the Conservative and Labour parties have indicated a level of support for Count Binface in this specific contest against Farage, with one Conservative leader suggesting that Count Binface might represent "the people" in a contest against an "establishment" figure.