Viewers have declared a bizarre interview during the Makerfield by-election as the 'greatest ever 2 minutes of television'. Sky News chief political correspondent Jon Craig spoke with comedian and candidate Count Binface, who wore a giant trash can on his head and flashed peace signs.
The Interview Unfolds
Craig initially looked reluctant when the studio presenter instructed him to talk to Binface, who was standing behind him. However, he turned around and conducted a two-minute interview with the satirical character, who calls himself an 'intergalactic election crusader'. Michael Lavelle posted on X that it was 'the greatest 2 minutes and 44 seconds of television', and many users agreed.
During the exchange, Binface explained his reasons for standing: 'A) It was happening, B) I was at a loose end, C) Because I believe elected mayors should serve out their terms before they're eligible to stand for parliament.' Craig sounded shocked, saying, 'Ah, you made a sensible political... you made a serious political point there.' Binface retorted, 'Well no, you're supposed to be impartial mate, so let me carry on.'
Binface then outlined his policies: rephrasing traffic lights on Liverpool Road, price-capping Wigan kebabs at £2, making disobedient cyclists ride unicycles, and renaming HS2 to FFS1, rerouting it through rail executives' homes. When Craig asked if he would swear, Binface replied, 'No no no, although we are past the watershed but don't worry.' He promised to be a 'good boy'.
Binface also pledged to build at least one affordable house and questioned what Andy Burnham had promised. When asked about his expected vote count, he said, 'I'd be happy with one.' Craig pressed on whether he lived in the constituency, to which Binface answered, 'I do tonight,' before turning the question back on the journalist. He ended by congratulating Craig: 'Well interviewed, well done.'
Reaction and Results
Laughter was heard in the studio as Craig gathered himself. Binface later spoke to the Manchester Evening News, whom he cheekily called 'proper journalists'. On X, Robert Winspear called the interview 'brilliant', and Tom Robbins said it was 'pure Partridge'.
Binface, whose real name is Jon Harvey, received 95 votes, just 0.21 per cent of the total. Andy Burnham won the seat with more votes than all other parties combined and is expected to run for leadership against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
