With Britain’s major political parties boycotting the upcoming Clacton by-election, social media has turned the contest into a meme-fest, with the slogan “Vote Binface” going viral as users jokingly urge voters to elect the satirical candidate over UK reform leader Nigel Farage.The by-election was held after Farage resigned as an MP, claiming he was the victim of “institutional collusion” over scrutiny surrounding his political finances.Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party refused to field candidates, considering the competition a “political ploy” or a “sham” election.The boycott leaves Count Benves, the satirical candidate presented by comedian Jonathan David Harvey, as Farage’s most prominent rival, along with a handful of independent and fringe candidates.Taking advantage of the unusual race, Count Benefis posted on X: “I will be a candidate for unity,” while also jokingly promising to build “at least one affordable house.” In another post, he shared a Batman-style reference with the caption: “On my way Clacton.”The situation quickly inspired a wave of memes, with many social media users portraying Binface as an unexpected rallying point for anti-Farage voters.
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Another wrote: “Clactonians, you have the opportunity to do the funniest thing in history.”Others embraced the spectacle, with one user writing: “This is going to be an absolute circus, I’m going to enjoy every minute of it,” while another asked, “Honestly, what would actually happen if Binface wins?”The online hype has been reflected in the betting markets. Bookmakers have shortened Count Benefis’ odds after a surge in interest, making him one of the favorites behind Farage despite his status as a joke candidate.Known for his cynical election promises, such as correctly implementing corner kicks in football, banning loud music on public transport, and forcing rule-breaking cyclists to ride unicycles, Count Benves has built a cult following through successive elections in the UK.He recently contested the by-election in Makerfield, where he received 95 votes, before announcing his candidacy for the Clacton contest.With the major parties not taking part in the Clacton contest, many internet users are now semi-jokingly promoting it as a means of tactical protest voting, turning an already unusual by-election into one of the biggest political talking points on the internet.