Count Binface, a satirical candidate portrayed by comedian Jon Harvey, is standing in the Clacton-on-Sea by-election against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage amid an unusually crowded and theatrical contest. The election has drawn attention because Farage resigned following allegations over undeclared financial support, which he denies, and because the main Labour and Conservative parties declined to field candidates.

A record 34 candidates are on the ballot, creating unusually long ballot papers and attracting campaigners ranging from novelty acts to single-issue and extremist groups. Binface’s comic pledges include nationalising Adele, capping ice-cream prices and holding a referendum on Pluto’s planetary status, while his campaign offers local voters a humorous contrast to the controversy surrounding Farage and the wider political spectacle.