Count Binface and Nigel Farage have answered Metro’s questions ahead of their clash at the polls in the Clacton by-election. The contest was triggered when Farage announced he would step down as MP to force a ‘people versus the establishment’ by-election. Major parties pulled out within hours, leaving Binface as his top opponent.
Why would you be a good MP to the people of Clacton?
Binface said: “Well, I’d turn up, for starters. And I will do the two crucial things that the good people of Clacton most need. Firstly, I will listen to their needs and concerns, and do everything in my power to improve their lives. And secondly, if I am elected, I guarantee I will increase Clacton’s fame across the entire planet, leading to a huge boost to the region’s economy and making sure Clacton’s voice is heard on the national stage like never before. Plus I will campaign for affordable 99 Flakes and fairer arcade grabber machines.”
Farage said: “Since I was first elected in 2024, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to represent Clacton. I have stood up and spoken up for the people in Westminster. I did not want to resign as your MP and have this by-election. But the political establishment forced it upon me. My promises to Clacton are simple: I will always be accountable to you; I will always take on Westminster for you; I will always fight to fix broken Britain for you.”
Campaign in three words and main policies
Binface summed up his campaign as “Hopeful. Positive. Tuneful.” Farage chose “People versus establishment”.
On policies, Binface said: “Have you not read my manifesto? It’s all in there, but here are a few of my favourites: I promise to spend more time in Clacton-on-Sea than Washington DC, I pledge to build at least one affordable house, I will campaign to nationalise Adele, and oil and gas companies must pay for solar panels for everyone. That last one was written by Jack, aged 10, and I’m delighted to feature kids’ ideas in my manifesto. After all, it’s their planet. (And mine.)”
Farage outlined Reform UK’s platform: “Illegal immigration is out of control because politicians choose not to enforce the law, and let foreign courts rob British citizens of a border. A Reform UK government will deploy the Royal Navy to secure our borders and stop the invasion. Not a single illegal migrant crossing the Channel will make it to our shores. We will detain and deport all those illegal migrants already here. Work should always be rewarded. We will cut taxes on workers, reduce the burden on families, and ensure that people are always better off in work than on benefits. We will also scrap policies that drive household energy bills higher while making Britain more dependent on foreign energy. Reform UK is the party of alarm clock Britain, and we will stand up for local businesses. We will help you set up a business, with no VAT until you make £150,000, lower taxes for employing Brits, more police to combat anti-social behaviour in our towns, and no business rates at all for our pubs. Dodgy barbers, vape shops, and candy stores are ruining our high streets and crowding out legitimate businesses. We will introduce mandatory prison sentences and huge fines for employing illegals, sending in the police and letting the public help identify the dodgy operators.”
Best night out and one change for the UK
Binface said the best night out in Clacton is “fish and chips at the Hook of Clacton followed by a glorious evening on the pier enjoying the rides, the bowling, the air hockey, and of course the Hungry Hungry Hippos game, which should be an Olympic sport.” Farage gave no answer.
Asked what he would change about the UK, Binface said: “The size of door frames. I’m sick of hitting my head.” Farage said: “The breakdown in law and order, not just in our towns and cities but also in our rural areas, is one of the most important issues of our time. Reform UK will be the toughest party on crime this country has ever seen. We will restore visible policing, much tougher sentencing for serious and repeat offenders and an uncompromising approach to crime and antisocial behaviour.”
The by-election features 34 candidates, and polls suggest Binface and Farage are leading the vote.
