Count Binface has released a manifesto for the Clacton by-election that takes aim at Nigel Farage, including a pledge to ban MPs who resign mid-Parliament from the resulting contest. The "space and electoral warrior" unveiled his 20-point platform for the August 13 poll triggered by the Reform UK leader quitting as MP for the Essex seaside constituency amid financial allegations.
Manifesto pledges
Other promises from Count Binface include spending more time in Clacton-on-Sea than in Washington DC, and not accepting £5 million gifts from crypto billionaires. The character, created by comedian Jon Harvey, also vowed that 99 Flake ice-creams should cost no more than 99p, arcade grabber games to be made fairer so players "actually have a chance to win", Parliament to be moved "to my new Bin HQ" while the Palace of Westminster is restored, and Wayne Rooney to be "new expert summariser for BBC" at Eurovision.
Record number of candidates
Mr Farage faces a record 33 rival candidates in the by-election, according to Tendring District Council, which confirmed a total of 34 candidates had entered the race. The main Westminster parties are boycotting the contest, dismissing it as a stunt by the Reform UK leader. The previous record for a parliamentary contest is believed to be 26 candidates, set at the Haltemprice and Howden by-election in July 2008.
The Binface v Farage battle has already gone global, being reported in America, Australia, India, France, Italy and other countries.
Financial allegations
Reform UK is facing a growing number of allegations over its financial affairs. A probe by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards into Mr Farage over a £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne before becoming an MP is understood to have been paused after he quit Parliament. The Reform leader is also facing calls for an investigation after reports that long-term ally George Cottrell had provided undeclared funding for security and staffing in the year before he was elected.
Mr Cottrell reportedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Mr Farage's social media before the general election, and had continued to allow him to use a five-storey Georgian property he rented near Buckingham Palace. Mr Farage denies any wrongdoing and says he followed Commons rules.
If Mr Farage is found to have breached Commons rules on declaring interests and is suspended for more than 10 sitting days, it could trigger a recall petition, potentially leading to a second Clacton by-election. Separately, Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice is facing allegations over funding for the party. He denies wrongdoing.
