Nigel Farage v Count Binface: 10 key pledges by 'space warrior' battling Reform chief in Clacton by-election

The “space and electoral warrior” has published a 20-point platform for the contest.So it is not surprising that at least some of the Count’s manifesto promises are directed specifically against Mr Farage.* MPs who resign mid-Parliament to be banned from the resulting by-election* I promise to spend more time in Clacton-on-Sea than in Washington DC, and to champion the area* I will not accept £5 million gifts from crypto billionaires (on Earth)But there are also a number of other pledges which might be expected from a not always entirely serious electoral contender.* Bus fares to be capped at £1.99, and 99 Flake ice-creams to cost no more than 99p* Arcade grabber games to be made fairer so players “actually have a change to win”* Parliament to be moved “to my new Bin HQ” while the Palace of Westminster is restored* Wayne Rooney to be “new expert summariser for BBC” at Eurovision* A windfall tax on cosy crime novels written (or ‘written’) by celebrities* People who drive past Clacton station with annoyingly loud exhaust to lose their licence* The hand-dryer in the gents’ toilets at the Great Himalayas restaurant, Southport to be moved to a more sensible positionMr Farage will face a record 33 rival candidates in the by-election on August 13.He wanted the by-election to be a “people versus the establishment” showdown.Count Binface poses outside Parliament (PA)PA ArchiveOn a more serious note, Reform UK is facing a growing number of allegations over its financial affairs.Read MoreMr Cottrell reportedly recruited and paid three staff to work on Mr Farage’s social media before the general election, and had continued to allow him to use a five-storey Georgian property he rented near Buckingham Palace.Mr Farage denies any wrongdoing and says he followed Commons rules.The Reform leader, an ally of Donald Trump, has also rejected claims that he spends little time in Clacton.Nigel Farage is also facing questions about support received from long-term ally George Cottrell (left with blue tie)PA ArchiveIf Mr Farage is found to have breached Commons rules on declaring interests and is suspended for more than 10 sitting days, it could trigger a recall petition, potentially leading to a second Clacton by-election.Tendring District Council said a total of 34 candidates had entered the August 13 race, which is believed to be a record for a parliamentary contest.The council said the previous record is understood to have been 26 candidates, set at the Haltemprice and Howden by-election in July 2008, which was triggered by Tory Sir David Davis in his own seat and similarly ignored by the main Westminster parties.