Meet Nigel Farage’s top election rival: Count Binface

Count Binface, an “intergalactic space warrior” with a trash can over his head, is a top contender to become a member of the UK’s Parliament. The satirical candidate is the most prominent challenger to the right-wing populist Reform Party leader, Nigel Farage, in today’s special election for a seat representing Clacton-on-Sea, a struggling seaside town about 70 miles from London.

Under the bin is the Oxford-educated comedian Jon Harvey, who’s known for challenging high-profile politicians in elections—which any UK citizen can do by paying a $675 deposit and getting 10 signatures from locals.

But this time, he’s a major opposition candidate:

• Today’s election was triggered by Farage resigning as Clacton’s MP last month amid a parliamentary investigation into an undisclosed donation from a Thailand-based crypto billionaire. He claims voters reelecting him would be a rebuke to the establishment.
• Major political parties have called Farage’s resignation a political stunt and are boycotting the election—leaving Count Binface as his main foil.

Count Binface’s platform includes promises to “cut your taxes and raise everyone else’s” and to “not accept £5 million gifts from crypto billionaires (on Earth).” He also wants to move a hand dryer away from the urinal in a local restaurant.

Does Binface stand a chance? Farage is still projected to get the vast majority of Clacton votes, though a new poll from More in Common suggests Binface would beat him in a national election.—SK