Trump's Iran War Depletes US Munitions as Approval Sinks to 34%

Q: Why did a satirical space warrior secure second place in a record-breaking £250,000 by-election won by Farage?

He finished second because the Clacton by-election was unusually empty of mainstream competition, turning Count Binface into the clearest protest option against Nigel Farage. Farage had triggered the contest himself after resigning his seat while under scrutiny over undeclared financial support, including a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and other major parties then boycotted the vote, calling it a stunt or “circus.” That left a record 34-candidate field dominated by independents, fringe figures and novelty campaigns. In that vacuum, Count Binface — comedian Jon Harvey’s satirical “space warrior” character — became the best-known non-Farage name on the ballot. His campaign drew media attention, benefited from Britain’s long tradition of novelty candidates, and attracted tactical anti-Farage voters who otherwise would likely have backed a mainstream party. Polling before the vote had already suggested he was consolidating much of that anti-Farage sentiment. He ultimately won 9,455 votes, or 26.9%, easily his best-ever result and enough to keep his £500 deposit for the first time. Farage still won comfortably with 22,239 votes, about 63%, but Binface’s second-place finish reflected less a sudden breakthrough for spoof politics than a boycott-driven protest vote in a low-turnout, highly unusual election that cost taxpayers about £250,000.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 14

US munitions are running low as Iranian missiles continue, with the report saying Trump ignored early warnings from his top general that a quick war could drain interceptors and strike capacity.
The 28 February war is described as failing on its stated aims: no regime change in Tehran, no check on Iran's nuclear threat, and little sign its conventional strike capability has been broken.
Oil prices and petrol costs have risen with the conflict, helping drive Trump's approval down to 34% while undercutting the economic message that powered his 2024 return.
The report argues the war has instead strengthened Iran by increasing its leverage over the Strait of Hormuz and exposing Trump's reliance on headline-grabbing claims over sustained diplomacy and governance.