Count Binface, the "space and electoral warrior", has released a 20-point manifesto as he takes on Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election. The contest was triggered by the Reform UK leader quitting the Essex seaside constituency amid financial allegations.
Pledges targeting Farage
Several promises are directed at Mr Farage. They include: MPs who resign mid-Parliament to be banned from the resulting by-election; spending more time in Clacton-on-Sea than in Washington DC; and not accepting £5 million gifts from crypto billionaires (on Earth).
Other manifesto promises
Count Binface also pledges: bus fares capped at £1.99 and 99 Flake ice-creams at 99p; fairer arcade grabber games so players "actually have a chance to win"; moving Parliament to "my new Bin HQ" while the Palace of Westminster is restored; Wayne Rooney as "new expert summariser for BBC" at Eurovision; a windfall tax on cosy crime novels written by celebrities; people driving past Clacton station with annoyingly loud exhausts to lose their licence; and moving the hand-dryer in the gents' toilets at the Great Himalayas restaurant, Southport to a more sensible position.
Record number of candidates
Mr Farage faces a record 33 rival candidates in the by-election on August 13, with Tendring District Council confirming 34 candidates in total. The main Westminster parties are boycotting the contest, dismissing it as a stunt. Mr Farage wanted a "people versus the establishment" showdown, but it risks becoming a two-way battle with Count Binface, created by comedian Jon Harvey.
Financial allegations against Farage
Reform UK faces growing allegations over its financial affairs. A probe by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards into Mr Farage over a £5 million gift from donor Christopher Harborne is understood to have been paused after he quit Parliament. He is also facing calls for an investigation into reports that long-term ally George Cottrell provided undeclared funding for security and staffing before Mr Farage was elected. 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.
