Reform UK's Farage faces off against Count Binface in election
Voters cast their ballots on Thursday in a local English election pitting Nigel Farage against his main challenger, a comedian dressed as a trash can, in a test of opposition to the Reform UK leader's brand of populist politics. Our correspondent in London Benedicte Paviot tells us more.
England's local election on Thursday pits Nigel Farage against his main challenger, a comedian dressed as a trash can named Count Binface, in a battle against Reform UK leader’s populist brand of politics. Facing accusations of improperly declaring £5 million ($6.8 million) from a wealthy donor, Farage abruptly resigned from parliament last month to seek a new mandate in Clacton, a seaside town.
With major parties not fielding candidates, Farage will face over 30 rivals, including comedians and independents, in the election with the longest ballot paper in British history. The comedian, Count Binface, created by Jonathan Harvey, has previously run against three prime ministers. The £500 ($676) entry fee for the contest is a common feature in British elections, but Farage insists the vote will allow his constituents to judge the allegations.
Parliament's standards commissioner has opened an investigation into Farage's alleged improper declaration, which could result in sanctions and another election if found guilty.
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