Count Binface, self-described “space politician” and staunch defender of 99p flake ice creams, is drawing unprecedented attention across the country in the lead-up to the Clacton by-election, reports BritPanorama.
Jonathan David Harvey, a British scriptwriter, has run in six different electoral cycles since 2019 as the novelty candidate. These include the 2019 general election, the 2021 and 2024 London mayoral races, and the recent by-election in Makerfield, which saw PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham elected.
The satirical figure has witnessed a surge in popularity following Nigel Farage’s resignation as an MP and his subsequent announcement of a by-election. The Labour Party, the Tories, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Restore Britain all refused to stand candidates in the by-election, branding it a “stunt” and leaving Count Binface as the main opposition to the Reform UK leader.
Eight other contestants are running, including four independents and candidates from the Forward Party, Reclaim, Balanced Britain Party, and the British Democrats. This backdrop emerges as scrutiny grows over Farage’s financial affairs, including questions surrounding a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency billionaire and party donor Christopher Harborne.
Who is backing Count Binface?
In a head-to-head choice, 33 per cent of British adults stated they would prefer Count Binface over the Reform UK leader, while only 21 per cent would back Farage, according to polling from Ipsos. Following Farage’s resignation, more than 5,000 people donated to Count Binface’s emergency campaign fund within 24 hours, raising over £15,000 to cover his deposit and leafleting costs.
As the self-described “intergalactic space warrior,” Count Binface stands as the most prominent alternative to Farage, garnering support from across the political spectrum. Following his successful campaign in Makerfield, Burnham is currently the only person in the running to become the next Labour leader, having shared a photo with Count Binface on social media and noted, “Count Binface, you are carrying the hopes of the nation. Don’t let us down.”
Dale Vince
Dale Vince, a prominent climate campaigner and political donor, has expressed his support for Count Binface. The owner of Forest Green Rovers football club, recognized as the world’s first vegan football club, Vince is known for backing environmental causes and progressive candidates. He has pledged an open-ended financial commitment to Count Binface’s campaign, stating, “I want Binface to win, and I am prepared to support him – morally, verbally and financially if that works for him.”
What are other politicians saying?
Count Binface’s campaign has generated significant discussion among other politicians. Sir Keir Starmer, currently expected to resign as prime minister, acknowledged Count Binface’s candidacy with a wry smile, noting, “I think it’s actually against Labour Party rules to endorse another [candidate].”
Kemi Badenoch
The Conservative Party leader praised Count Binface as a democratic candidate for Clacton’s voters. Badenoch remarked, “Well, if he’s the establishment here, then in this context, Binface may be the people.”
Rachel Reeves
The chancellor labelled the by-election a “farce” but did not seek to block it, adding that if Farage wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, she wouldn’t stop him.
With the Clacton by-election scheduled for 13 August, voters will soon decide if Count Binface’s candidacy translates to genuine political significance or merely serves as comic relief.
