Count Binface: UK politics sees a new entry as 'joke' character vows to take on Nigel Farage

In the realm of UK politics, a fresh face has emerged, literally. Count Binface, a satirical character with a trash-can head, has vowed to challenge the far-right candidate Nigel Farage in the upcoming Clacton-on-Sea by-election. The character, created by comedian Jon Harvey, describes himself as an "intergalactic space warrior" and is positioned as the "only fresh thing on the menu."

Intriguingly, despite Harvey's identity being known, he prefers to be called Count Binface, a persona he first adopted in 2018 during a contest for the House of Commons seat held by former Conservative Party leader Theresa May. Harvey's Binface persona was created during a copyright battle over the use of the Star Wars parody "Lord Buckethead," which ended in an "unfortunate battle on the planet Copyright."

During his previous contest with May, he was plagued by a copyright suit over the use of the Star Wars parody "Lord Buckethead." Despite the absurdity of Count Binface, the contender brings forth pressing issues such as climate change, with Binface joking about the heat underneath his armour. His 20-point plan includes promises to cap croissant prices, improve WiFi on UK trains, conscript speakerphone users on public transport, build affordable houses, and even make Pluto a planet again.

While polls still favor Farage with over 70% of the vote, Binface is attracting significant attention and could potentially secure up to 20% of the vote. The character has previously contested elections in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Richmond and Northallerton, and Makerfield by-election, among others. Farage initiated the by-election in Clacton-on-Sea following his resignation, alleging a witch-hunt against him. Major political parties have boycotted the by-election, allowing Count Binface's rise.