Key facts
- Count Binface, a satirical candidate, is running in a UK special election.
- The election was triggered by Nigel Farage's resignation from Parliament.
- Binface's platform includes promises to cut taxes and nationalize singer Adele.
- The candidate's real identity is comedian Jon Harvey, a writer for political comedy shows.
- Binface's campaign is characterized by a humorous approach and unique policy proposals.
Count Binface, a satirical candidate known for wearing a garbage can on his head, is running in a special election in Clacton-on-Sea, England. The election was triggered by the resignation of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is also seeking reelection. Binface, whose real identity is comedian Jon Harvey, aims to present himself as a fresh alternative to traditional politicians, leveraging the media attention generated by Farage's controversial move and the boycott by major parties.
Harvey, a former TV writer for political comedy shows, has maintained his Binface persona throughout the campaign, offering a platform that includes a mix of absurd and hyper-local policy proposals. These include promises to cut taxes for some while raising them for others, nationalize singer Adele, and relocate a hand dryer in a local pub. Binface also made veiled references to Farage's undeclared gift and his trips to the U.S. to meet with President Donald Trump.
Binface's political career began nearly a decade ago as Lord Buckethead, but he later reincarnated as Binface due to a copyright dispute. He has previously run against prominent politicians, including former Prime Ministers Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak, as well as London Mayor Sadiq Khan and MP Andy Burnham. The Clacton ballot also features other eccentric candidates, such as members of the Monster Raving Loony Party.