Boris Johnson has thrown his support behind Count Binface in the Clacton by-election, taking a swipe at Nigel Farage and suggesting that voting for the satirical candidate could save taxpayers from a potentially expensive second contest.
Johnson's unexpected endorsement
Speaking on Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, the former Conservative Prime Minister initially hesitated to endorse any candidate, saying, "I think it would be a very bad idea for me to blight any candidate with my support." However, he quickly warmed to the idea of backing Count Binface, the creation of comedian Jon Harvey, who describes himself as a "space and electoral warrior."
Johnson remarked: "I thought Count Binface had rather a good point when he said that a vote for him would actually preclude the expense of a second by-election." This comment directly references the possibility that Farage could face a recall petition and another by-election if found to have breached Commons rules.
The by-election context
The August 13 by-election in the Essex seaside constituency was triggered by Farage's resignation from Parliament amid a swirl of financial allegations. All other major parties have decided not to field candidates, leaving the contest as a largely two-way battle between Farage and Count Binface, alongside a handful of minor candidates.
Farage, who won nearly half the vote in the 2024 general election, is the favourite. However, he denies breaking any Commons rules over his financial affairs. If Parliament's anti-sleaze watchdog finds him in breach, and he is suspended for more than 10 sitting days, it could trigger a recall petition, potentially leading to a second by-election.
Financial allegations and investigations
Farage faces a probe by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards over a £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne before he became an MP. This investigation is understood to have been paused after Farage resigned. He is also facing questions about support from long-term ally George Cottrell, who reportedly provided undeclared funding for security and staffing in the year before he was elected. Cottrell allegedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Farage's social media before the general election and allowed him to use a five-storey Georgian property near Buckingham Palace.
Reform UK has faced further funding allegations in recent days. Farage has flatly rejected all claims of wrongdoing and insists he followed Commons rules. However, his decision to stand down may have backfired, unleashing a wave of criticism and mockery led by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. The furore has also gone global, with reports in the US, Australia, India, France, Italy, and many other countries.
