Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer used his final Prime Minister's Questions to endorse Count Binface in the upcoming Clacton by-election, telling Britons to "put your vote in the bin" as he backed the novelty candidate over Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Cross-Party Support for Binface
During the session on 15 July 2026, Starmer joined Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey in backing Count Binface. The endorsement came after Badenoch asked Starmer if he agreed that the country deserved a televised debate between Farage and Binface. Starmer replied to rapturous applause: "Mr Speaker, they intend to spend the summer arguing with a bin – my advice to everyone is to put your vote in the bin."
Ed Davey also voiced support, saying: "I cannot back joke figures with ridiculous policies, which is why I'm supporting Count Binface." The lighthearted moment sparked a brief exchange when Reform MP Danny Kruger challenged Starmer, calling Binface "a comedian with a bin on his head." Starmer retorted: "I know that Reform believe in recycling politicians, but I wonder if he really thought spending his summer arguing with a bin was what he had in mind when defecting to the benches up there."
Binface Second Favourite in Betting Odds
According to bookmakers, Count Binface is currently the second favourite to win the Clacton by-election, with Nigel Farage still expected to reclaim the seat he recently resigned. The by-election is scheduled for August 2026.
Away from the banter, Starmer paid tribute to colleagues and supporters who had backed him during his tenure. Badenoch offered a conciliatory note, praising Starmer's family for their support throughout his time in office.
