Forest Green Rovers owner and Ecotricity founder Dale Vince has pledged his support for Count Binface in the upcoming Clacton by-election, saying he is prepared to back the satirical candidate both morally and financially.
Count Binface, whose real name is Jon Harvey, has emerged as the main challenger to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage after both the Conservative and Labour parties opted not to field candidates in the Essex constituency.
The by-election was triggered by Mr Farage, who described it as a “people versus the establishment” contest amid controversy surrounding his financial affairs.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Vince said: “I want Binface to win, and I am prepared to support him – morally, verbally and financially if that works for him.”
Under Electoral Commission rules, Mr Vince could spend only around £700 if he chose to campaign independently against Mr Farage. However, he would be permitted to donate up to £180,050 directly to Count Binface’s campaign, allowing the money to be spent on election materials and other campaign costs.
Mr Vince, a long-time environmental campaigner and outspoken critic of Reform UK, has previously clashed with Mr Farage over issues including climate change and energy policy.
