Count Binface: Who is the man behind the bin?

Count Binface is set to be the only candidate standing against Nigel Farage in the Clacton-on-Sea by-election after the Reform UK leader announced he was stepping down as MP.

The novelty candidate threw his large, metal hat into the ring after Farage announced on Tuesday that he would resign and seek re-election due to growing scrutiny over financial support he allegedly failed to declare.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, Restore Britain and the Greens have all said they will not contest Farage, which means he is likely to face just one challenger: Count Binface.

So, who is Count Binface and what is he promising voters?

Who is Count Binface?

Count Binface, an “intergalactic space warrior and leader of the Recyclons from planet Sigma IX”, is the alter ego of comedian Jon Harvey.

He campaigns wearing a black and grey outfit, a long silver cape and a helmet resembling a dustbin.

Count Binface may be the only other candidate contesting Farage at the by-election. / Credit: PA

The comedian, writer and producer first joined the political world at the 2017 general election, standing against former Prime Minister Theresa May in Maidenhead under the name Lord Buckethead.

Since then, he has challenged a string of high-profile politicians, including Boris Johnson in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Rishi Sunak in Richmond and Northallerton, and has twice stood in the London mayoral elections.

His best result came in the 2021 London mayoral election, when he received 92,896 votes and finished ninth out of 20 candidates.

Outside of his work as Count Binface, Harvey has written for a number of comedy and satire programmes, such as Have I Got News for You and The Revolution Will Be Televised.

What is he promising?

He has not yet launched a manifesto, but in an interview with the BBC, he said some of his national policies will stand.

Among his pledges are:

Nationalising Adele
Abolishing VAR in football
Building at least one affordable home
Restoring the price of a 99 Flake to 99p
Capping the price of Wigan kebabs at £2

Like past campaigns, many of Count Binface’s policies are intentionally funny, combining satire with commentary on the cost of living and British politics.

He also said his main appeal to voters was that he was not “Nigel Farage”.

Could he wear his outfit in the House of Commons?

Probably not. The Parliamentary guidebook states members should wear “business-like attire.” For men, this usually means a suit, although a tie is not necessary.

The rulebook also says that members cannot cover their faces while in the Commons because it is necessary for the tellers to be able to identify them when registering a vote.

Count Binface’s costume fails both of these provisions and would likely be refused entry to Parliament in his outfit if he were elected as MP for Clacton.