But few, if any, novelty candidates have made as much of an impression as Count Binface. The self-described “intergalactic space warrior” wears a garbage can on his head and has become a regular name on election ballots across England over the past decade. He recently went up against Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election, and was among the first to congratulate Burnham on his victory, which cleared the now-Prime Minister’s pathway back to Westminster.
In July, amid mounting scrutiny over undisclosed gifts and donations, Farage resigned as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Clacton, a coastal town in the east of England, in order to trigger a by-election in which he could run.
The main political parties in the U.K. said they would not be taking part in the by-election, which the Conservatives leader referred to as a "fake" election intended to distract people from the investigation into Farage's finances.
Ahead of the polls opening, TIME’s Richard Hall caught up with Count Binface. True to form, the comedian, whose real name is Jon Harvey, stayed in character throughout the conversation.
TIME: Our readers from all around the world may not be familiar with the peculiarities of British politics or your political platform. Can you introduce us to Count Binface, the candidate?
You have stood in a number of elections, sometimes in different forms. Can you tell us what drew you to this one in Clacton?
You've stood in many elections, and lost them all. This time people appear to be taking you a bit more seriously. They think you may be able to improve on your previous personal best of 308 votes. Why do you think that is?
This time you're up against Nigel Farage, a man mired in a personal financing scandal. What does it tell us about British politics that people are considering voting for a garbage can over a real human?
As for why they're choosing me, I offer the perfect blend of fully-costed policies, intergalactic drip, and as bizarre as it seems, I'll be the best local champion for the inhabitants of the area.
I've been very gratified by the response both on the ground and in cyberspace. In actual fact, the policies you mention aren't the biggest hits so far. Top of the pops is my pledge that 99 Flake ice creams [a British tradition for generations] should be price-capped at 99p. For a seaside town, this was a no-brainer.
If we wake up on the morning after this election and Count Binface has been defeated by Nigel Farage, what do you want people to have taken away from your campaign? And will you stick around for your opponent's victory speech?
I hope they take the policies, my broader points, a smile, and a rehabilitated respect for democracy. Yes, of course, all candidates should respect the winner's victory speech. I'm sure Nigel will stick around to listen.
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