Count Binface, the novelty candidate known for wearing a silver bin on his head, has announced he will stand in the Clacton by-election, directly challenging Nigel Farage. The Reform UK leader triggered the contest after resigning his seat, citing a dispute over undeclared donations. Binface, whose real name is Jon Harvey, declared himself a 'unity candidate' and vowed to 'build at least one affordable house'.
The eccentric politician has become a media sensation, promoting policies such as nationalising the singer Adele and capping the price of croissants at £1. Even the Daily Mail, which has been sympathetic to Farage, ran a headline reading 'Farage: Binface byelection is deadly serious', with an inside piece suggesting that 'when voters are laughing at you, it's over'. International outlets have also taken notice, dubbing him Comte Tête-de-poubelle in France and El Conde Cubo de Basura in Spain.
Binface's rise has unsettled even fellow novelty candidates. Nick the Flying Brick, a Monster Raving Loony Party activist, recounted an encounter at the Edge Conference Centre where Binface refused to allow a photograph, threatening to sue. 'He runs a very tight operation,' said the Flying Brick. 'We have to take our hats off: he is totally out-shadowing us.'
Binface did not speak to the Guardian outside of his character. His intervention comes after other major parties declined to field candidates, leaving the stage largely to Farage and the masked contender. The Monster Raving Loony Party also plans to stand candidates in the election, with leader Howling Laud Hope explaining simply, 'Because we can.'
