Count Binface, the parody candidate and creation of comedian Jon Harvey, has emerged as the likely sole challenger to Nigel Farage in the upcoming Clacton byelection. The contest was triggered after Farage resigned as MP for the Essex constituency, a move critics say was designed to shake off a scandal over financial gifts. However, the plan backfired when major parties announced they would boycott the poll, leaving Farage facing only Binface.
Binface, a 5,900-year-old alien from the planet Sigma IX, expressed surprise at the turn of events. 'I didn't know old Farage was going to self-detonate … did I?' he told the Guardian. The candidate, who previously stood against Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, and Theresa May (as Lord Buckethead), described the situation as 'a fever dream'.
Farage's byelection gamble backfires
Farage, leader of Reform UK, had hoped the byelection would rally support against the 'establishment'. But Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled Binface the 'people's candidate', and Prime Minister Keir Starmer jokingly noted that endorsing Binface would violate Labour rules. The two-man race has boosted Binface's profile, with his live show at London's Museum of Comedy selling out and plans for additional dates.
Binface admitted he knows little about Clacton but is encouraged by its seaside location and pier. 'I have heard it's on the sea and it has got a pier. In fact I was about to abolish it but then someone pointed out that it is a pier, not a peer,' he said. Clacton, located in an area that voted heavily for Brexit in 2016, may appeal to Binface's anti-establishment stance.
Binface's platform and chances
Binface hopes to attract disillusioned Reform voters and those who would have voted for Labour, Conservatives, or other parties. 'When you think about it, you can see why I might court the immigrant vote. I'm the ultimate alien, though I should stress, not an illegal one,' he quipped. He previously won more votes than the far-right Britain First candidate in the 2024 London mayoral election, though he lost his deposit.
Betting odds have shifted dramatically. Oddschecker reported that Binface's odds of winning were cut from 5/1 to 7/2. Despite this, Binface remains cautious: 'I don't want them to go marching around for me. I don't know even if I'll get any votes.'
What if Binface wins?
If elected, Binface would have to remove his bin-shaped helmet to enter the House of Commons chamber, but he argues that other officials wear unusual attire. 'If Black Rod fits in the standing orders, why can't I?' he said. He has launched a Ko-Fi donation page, raising over £15,000 from more than 5,000 donations since Tuesday, to fund his campaign.
Binface, who describes himself as an 'entirely independent space warrior', donated all profits from his London mayoral campaign to charity. He now faces the ultimate test: whether Clacton's humans prefer him to 'old Nige'.
