CLACTON, ENGLAND—Leaving shock waves after the release of a bombshell investigative report by lesser news outlet The Telegraph Friday, it has been revealed that Count Binface, a prospective candidate in the upcoming Clacton by-election, is in fact the famous Sesame Street character Oscar the Grouch.

"After a gruelling two week investigation by The Telegraph, using photographic evidence, DNA samples, bin juice analysis, and some phone hacking, we can reveal that Count Binface is in fact not from the planet Sigma IX, but rather from the bin of one Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street," claimed the article from the lesser news outlet, featuring a photographic comparison showing how the Count and the Muppet both had an affinity for bins. "It should be noted that Count Binface and Oscar the Grouch have never been seen in the same room together."

In response to the report, Sesame Workshop stated it wasn't previously aware of Grouch's British political ambitions, stating that they were under the impression that the bin-dwelling Sesame Street star was perfectly content living inside his trashcan and hating everyone and everything. Production staff for the iconic children's show claimed they think Grouch was inspired to pursue a career in UK politics as Count Binface after seeing Liz Truss become Prime Minister, presumably thinking he was likely just as qualified for the role.

"So what if I'm Oscar the Grouch? I'm still not Nigel Farage," said Count Binface in an exclusive interview with The Wasted Onion, welcoming reporters from The Only News Source aboard his Binillennium Trashcon starship. "Does it truly matter If I am the Leader of the Recyclons or a green-bodied Grouchlandian who lives in a bin? What matters is that I will build at least one affordable house, reduce the price of 99 Flake ice creams to 99p, and generally not do dodgy stuff with my finances like a certain somebody."

At press time, Count Binface's polling numbers had gone up sharply by around 16% following the revelation, with Clacton residents more comfortable having a Muppet running their constituency than Nigel Farage.