Who voted for Count Binface in the Clacton by-election and why?

Self-styled intergalactic space warrior Count Binface finished second in the Clacton-by-election on Thursday with 9,455 votes, securing his largest amount of votes in the contest. A record 34 candidates stood, but Binface and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage were the only contenders to secure over 500 votes. The election was triggered by Farage's resignation as an MP in July. Binface has run in various high-profile elections, with his best result being 308 votes in the 2024 general election against then-prime minister Rishi Sunak. With an unprecedented number of candidates, voters chose Binface for his unconventional policies, such as nationalising Adele’s song proceeds, enforcing a 99p price tag on ice creams with 99 flakes, and moving a pub handryer in Uxbridge. First-time voter Ben Peters, 18, from Holland-on-Sea, described the election as a joke, noting it felt pointless since Farage was expected to win. However, Peters admitted it was a thrill to vote for Binface, even if it meant supporting far-fetched ideas. Alex Greenwood, from Thorpe-le-Soken, acknowledged some policies were silly but argued there was a logical undercurrent. He suggested nationalising Adele’s proceeds could fund the NHS, making it a plausible, if unconventional, step. Greenwood also expressed a preference for Binface over Farage. The by-election highlights the unique appeal of Binface’s campaign, blending absurdity with a perceived sense of rebellion against traditional politics.