An awkward encounter at the Makerfield by-election

Sky News’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig encountered Count Binface at the Makerfield by-election count last night – and was at a complete loss as to who he was.

Despite having previously stood in two general elections, two London mayoral races, and the 2023 Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election triggered by Boris Johnson’s resignation – the ‘independent space warrior’ seemed to confuse the veteran journalists.

Posting the awkward encounter to YouTube, the count – the alter-ego of comedy writer Jon Harvey – said: ‘I really enjoyed this interview. Which makes one of us.’ 

Published: 19 Jun 2026