Count Binface, the self-styled 'intergalactic space warrior' and Nigel Farage's top opponent in the Clacton by-election, has kicked off the week of the vote with a very on-brand party political broadcast. The candidate, given 25/1 odds of beating the Reform UK leader by bookmaker Ladbrokes, has sent a message from the edge of space – or almost.
Balloon launch and message
A tiny screen with Binface's bin face on it was sent to the edge of space, while the leader of the Recyclons presumably stayed safely on the planet's surface. In a video shared on his social media, a team is shown setting up a balloon, camera and screen before launching it from a field.
Addressing the people of Earth over a chirpy public domain tune, Binface says: 'I know you have your differences, I know there's a lot of big stuff going on. But to all of you who are able, turn your gaze to an incredible part of your world: the beautiful constituency of Clacton.'
Chance to win
He tells viewers that 'for the first time, I have a chance to actually win' – which would represent 'the greatest political victory in history'.
It comes two days after a pilot drew an eight-mile-long picture of a bin in the sky off the Clacton coast in an apparent show of support for the insurgent candidate.
Record number of candidates
Binface is one of 34 candidates who will appear on the ballot in Clacton, a record for a British parliamentary election. He emerged as the unlikely biggest rival to Farage after all the major parties pulled out of the race in the hours after the ex-MP announced his resignation in order to force a by-election.
Farage, who has come under pressure in recent months over a £5 million 'gift' given to him by a crypto billionaire and additional support from a convicted fraudster, said it would be a 'people versus the establishment' fight. He has placed his supposed 'outsider' status in Westminster and his support for local businesses and causes at the heart of his re-election campaign.
Poll predictions
A recent Survation constituency poll indicated Farage would win with almost three-quarters of the vote, with Count Binface in second place on 20%.
