Count Binface, the satirical candidate known for wearing a garbage can on his head, may have come up short in the Clacton by-election but has captured the hearts of many voters. According to CBS News, Binface won over a quarter of the votes in a contest against Nigel Farage, one of Britain’s most prominent political figures.

A Satirical Campaign with a Message

Binface’s campaign was triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation and marked his best showing yet in a surreal political race. According to Epping Forest Guardian, Binface received 9,455 votes, placing second behind Farage, who secured 22,239 votes and a 12,784 majority. Binface’s message is simple: “I’m here to take out the trash.” In the U.K., a trash can is referred to as a bin, hence his name. This is the first time Binface has crossed the 5% threshold, earning him back his 500-pound (about $677) deposit to run.

Farage’s Victory and Security Concerns

Nigel Farage won with 62.82% of the vote, a significant increase from his 46.2% majority in the 2024 general election. According to Epping Forest Guardian, the result was declared shortly after 6am. However, the by-election was marked by security concerns. Farage stated that he would not attend the count due to a perceived credible threat. He emphasized the importance of security, saying, “Security is paramount, and everybody knows we’ve had a very, very difficult few weeks and last couple of months.”

Turnout and Political Impact

The turnout for the Clacton by-election was 44.37%, a decline of just over 14%. According to Epping Forest Guardian, a total of 32 of the record-34 candidates lost their deposit. Despite his loss, Binface’s performance has been notable. Jonathan Harvey, the satirist behind Binface, has been running as various novelty candidates for years, including Lord Buckethead. According to CBS News, Binface continues a long tradition of quirky political candidates in U.K. elections, with a record held by Screaming Lord Sutch of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, who ran in 39 parliamentary elections from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Nigel Farage’s victory was celebrated with an all-night event in Essex, where he told supporters he would not be attending the count. He said, “I’m not scared of these people, far from it. But I’m damned if I’m going to stand on a stage, having won a resounding victory, and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies.” The Reform party canceled a scheduled speech by Farage, stating he had “already commented on the expected result of the by-election.”