Comic alter ego Count Binface has emerged as the leading challenger to Nigel Farage in the Clacton byelection on 13 August 2026, as major parties boycott the contest they view as a stunt by the former UKIP leader.
The character, played by comedian Jon Harvey, unveiled a 20-point manifesto pledging a referendum on Pluto's planetary status, construction of at least one affordable home, and filling potholes with the Labour party programme. He also vowed not to accept £5 million donations from cryptocurrency billionaires and to bar MPs who resign mid-term from the resulting byelection. Farage, who faces a record 33 opponents, is separately under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards over a £5 million donation from Christopher Harborne.
A recent poll placed public preference for Binface at 33 percent, compared with 21 percent for Farage.