Nigel Farage triggered a by-election in Clacton on Tuesday, resigning his seat to give “the people” a chance to back him against “the establishment” — but within hours, Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Restore all announced they would not field candidates, leaving the Reform UK leader facing a six-week campaign against a man in a bin. “Game on, Nige,” posted Count Binface, the serial election candidate whose real name is Jonathan David Harvey. On the Today programme, Binface listed his policies: “Get at least one affordable house, nationalising Adele and bring back Ceefax.”
Voters in Clacton are furious. Lee Sommerville, a 52-year-old bus driver, told the Mirror: “It’s to delay the investigation, point blank. So, there must be obviously some truth behind what has been claimed.” The by-election could cost taxpayers £200,000, according to the Mirror. Farage resigned ahead of a conclusion into a £5 million gift from Thai-based billionaire Christopher Harborne, and fresh allegations emerged that he did not declare benefits from convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
“Nigel Farage triggers Clacton by-election but only opponent is Count Binface after all major parties refuse to stand”
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy mocked the contest in the Commons: “I hear it’s the people versus the establishment – a city trader, Putin-admiring professional politician who’s pals with crypto billionaires… versus Count Binface.” Asked by the Daily Mail if he had considered fighting as the only proper candidate, Farage insisted: “No, of course not. Why would they [not contest]? It's a real election. … The fact Labour and the Conservatives don't want to stand, they're both showing contempt for the electorate. They can use whatever terms they want - it's a real election with real people.”
Reform has proposed the vote take place on 6 August. Bookmakers William Hill give 4/1 odds that Binface wins. If elected, the comedian would be barred from wearing his costume in the Commons, according to the i Paper, which noted that clothing must “demonstrate respect for the House.” Binface would then have to deliver on promises like capping 99 Flake ice creams at 99p and becoming the UK’s Eurovision entry. Farage, meanwhile, would be free from parliamentary investigations into the Harborne gift and Cottrell support — but would suffer one of the most humiliating upsets in British political history, bringing him to eight losses in nine elections, the Metro reported. He would likely step down as Reform leader, handing the reins to Richard Tice, Robert Jenrick or Zia Yusuf.
As one minister put it, Farage is “trying to pretend he’s Donald Trump” — but the only crowd he’ll be facing this summer is a man in a bin.