A new poll by More in Common suggests that Count Binface, the satirical independent standing in the Clacton by‑election, would beat Nigel Farage in a straight one‑on‑one contest if the entire country voted. The survey, released on the eve of the vote, recorded 37% backing for Count Binface and 32% for Mr Farage.
Poll findings and party responses
The poll shows strong cross‑party sympathy for the novelty candidate. Respondents who supported the Green Party in 2024 were the most likely to prefer Count Binface, with 62% indicating they would want him to win. Liberal Democrat and Labour voters were also more inclined to back the satirical candidate, at 56% and 54% respectively. By contrast, just 8% of those who voted for Reform UK in 2024 said they would prefer Count Binface.
| Voter group (2024) | Prefer Count Binface |
|---|---|
| Green Party | 62% |
| Liberal Democrats | 56% |
| Labour | 54% |
| Reform UK | 8% |
The poll also found significant uncertainty: 32% of all respondents said they did not know who they wanted to win Clacton. The by‑election, scheduled for Thursday, was called after Mr Farage stood down as MP for the seat he won in 2024 and announced he would contest the vacancy that decision created.
Why the by‑election was called
Mr Farage’s surprise resignation and immediate announcement of a by‑election followed sustained scrutiny of his financial affairs. Questions centred on a reported £5 million donation from the crypto entrepreneur Christopher Harborne and alleged gifts from George Cottrell, who has a criminal conviction. Mr Farage has described himself as the victim of what he called “an establishment stitch‑up” when he announced the contest.
“An establishment stitch‑up.”
The decision has prompted an unusual response from the main UK parties. The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Labour have all said they will not field candidates in Clacton. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch characterised the contest as “fake”, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called Mr Farage’s manoeuvre “a desperate political stunt”.
- By‑election date: Thursday (Clacton‑on‑Sea).
- Main non‑candidate parties: Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens, Labour all standing aside.
- Leading opponent: Count Binface, independent satirical candidate.
Who is Count Binface and what does he stand for?
Count Binface is a veteran novelty candidate who describes himself as an “independent space warrior”. The comedian has campaigned in several elections while wearing a bin on his head. His pledges for the Clacton contest have included light‑hearted proposals such as abolishing VAR in football, conscripting those who play loud music on public transport and “nationalising Adele”.
He has emerged as Mr Farage’s principal rival in public attention, buoyed by media interest and, according to the poll, by support from voters who typically favour other parties. The More in Common survey indicates that the novelty candidacy has resonated with many voters dissatisfied with the mainstream options on offer for this particular contest.
Implications and the immediate outlook
With major parties standing aside, the by‑election is an unusual test of personal popularity, protest voting and media spectacle. If the poll accurately reflects national sentiment, it would demonstrate the capacity of a purely theatrical candidacy to draw support across the political spectrum where mainstream choices are absent.
But the poll is a snapshot of national opinion in a constituency contest: turnout and local dynamics will determine the actual result. Observers will watch whether the by‑election becomes a referendum on Mr Farage’s conduct, a protest vote against party‑political elites, or a moment of spectacle captured by a novelty campaign.
