- Count Binface received 9,455 votes (26.9% share), finishing second to Nigel Farage's 22,239 votes in the Clacton by-election.
- The by-election on Thursday, 13 August, saw a record 34 candidates stand, the highest number ever recorded for a UK parliamentary election.
- Count Binface retained his £500 deposit for the first time, a requirement for candidates who poll more than 5% of the total votes.
- Nigel Farage did not attend the count, citing a credible threat, which Count Binface disputed, stating police confirmed it was safe.
- Count Binface declared he was 'the winning candidate in the room' after Farage's absence from the count.
- Farage had earlier told supporters he would not attend the count to avoid being 'demeaned and humiliated by nobodies'.
- Count Binface is the satirical alter ego of comedian Jon Harvey, who has previously stood in four parliamentary elections.
- Farage resigned as an MP last month and stood in the by-election after facing scrutiny over financial support.
Count Binface achieved his best-ever election performance in the Clacton by-election, receiving 9,455 votes and finishing second to Nigel Farage, who won with 22,239 votes. This election saw a record 34 candidates stand, the highest for a UK parliamentary election.12345678910
The turnout was 44.37%, and Count Binface's 26.9% share of the vote is believed to be the highest ever for a novelty candidate. He noted that he was “1,000 times more popular” in this election compared to his previous run against Andy Burnham, where he received only 95 votes.
The contest was marked by the absence of major UK party candidates, leading to Count Binface becoming the leading rival to Farage. Farage, who did not attend the result announcement, labeled Count Binface the “candidate of the establishment”, claiming that supporters of other parties had canvassed for him. Count Binface humorously declared himself “the winning candidate in the room” despite Farage's victory.
This election was also significant for Count Binface as it was the first time he retained the £500 deposit required for candidacy, which is refunded if a candidate polls over 5% of the total votes. The election was described by Ian Davidson, Acting Returning Officer, as “unusual and high-profile”, highlighting the challenges posed by the record number of candidates and the size of the ballot paper.
“Count Binface's 26.9% vote share is thought to be the highest ever for a novelty candidate, and he retained his £500 deposit for the first time. Farage's absence from the count, citing a credible threat, was disputed by police, and a possible second by-election looms amid a standards investigation.”
Tendring District Council
