Clacton By-Election

[Pope Mome Apocrypha]

Not sure if anyone here looks at UK politics all too often, but essentially, Nigel Farage, the main frontman for Reform UK (Formerly the Brexit Party) has decided to attempt to prove the people are behind him by "stepping down" and triggering a by-election for the parliamentary constituency, which he will also be running in. No other major party is touching the shitshow with a ten foot pole, meaning theoretically he would have an uncontested feel good victory in order to distract from some of the scrutiny he's been under for various reasons (largely undisclosed gifts and possible bribes). He would be running uncontested, however someone without any major party backing has decided that a one-person contest wouldn't do. Thus, the main competitors in the Clacton by-election are of course an absolute joke of a man, and the honorable Count Binface, who has pledged to build at least one affordable house, and not be Nigel Farage. Despite 87% of Clacton voting Reform in 24, in the polls Binface is doing better off, with Nigel doing worse than the option of electing neither. However, no matter who wins the election, I would like to thank Count Binface for making it so that now, the leader of Reform UK will always be remembered as the man who ran against the trash can, and be haunted by the closeness of that competition.

[Abbot Mythos]

Your post reminded me of one of 'Merica's most successful political pranksters:

Pat Paulsen, 69, a Parodist Of Presidential Doubletalk

As per this article:

"Mr. Paulsen became a household name in 1968 when he announced on ''The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour'' that he was running for President under the Straight Talking American Government Party, or the S.T.A.G. Party.

The joke took on a life of its own, as he campaigned in one election after another, using slogans like ''We Cannot Stand Pat,'' ''We Can Be Decisive, Probably,'' and ''United We Sit.'' At last summer's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, he promised: ''If elected, I will win.''"

I wouldn't be at all surprised if no one reading this post remembers, or has even heard of Pat Paulsen. But, back in the days of TV antennas, and only three national (3) networks, Pat attracted a huge 'Merican audience.

It's good to read that the tradition lives on in the UK.