Andy Burnham, a man who hoped to become prime minister, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a man in a fox costume and an intergalactic space warrior with a bin for a face as he was announced the winner of the Makerfield by-election. The costumed characters – Count Binface, the fox, and Howling Laud Hope – shook hands with the Labour candidate before his victory speech, barely registering as unusual for the supporters gathered.
These eccentric scenes are a longstanding tradition in British politics. But behind the satire, candidates say they are driven by serious purpose. Rob Pownall, who spends most of his time running the advocacy organisation Protect the Wild, ran for the Makerfield seat dressed as a fox. “I think it was a brilliant display of British democracy in action,” he told the BBC, describing the costumes as part of Britain’s “unique eccentric energy”.
“Costumed candidates like Count Binface and a fox-clad activist shake hands with Andy Burnham at the Makerfield by-election.”
It was not Pownall’s first time. In May he dressed as a giant gannet while running for Scottish Parliament to call for an end to the centuries-old Guga hunt. His motivation, he said, was to “shine a light on issues that don’t get the headlines”. As he shook Burnham’s hand, Pownall seized the moment to speak about protecting British wildlife. “I urged him if he is to become prime minister to actually do something to protect animals, whether to finally end fox hunting for good or committing to a complete end to the Badger cull.”
Count Binface is another regular fixture, having appeared against former prime ministers Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, Theresa May and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. His Makerfield manifesto, published on his website, included pledges to be “the UK’s entrant at Eurovision 2027” and “wifi on trains that works. Also trains that work”. Speaking to Sky News, he added calls to “replace the traffic lights on Liverpool road”, “price cap Wigan kebabs at £2” and “build at least one affordable house”. He also argued that elected mayors should serve out their terms before standing for parliament.
Currently it costs £500 to run as a candidate for elections. Those who poll above 5% of the total valid votes get that sum returned. The tradition shows no sign of fading – and its influence can even shape future laws.