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Available to book

Political satirist & Binface creator

Jon Harvey

Bring sharp political satire with Jon Harvey, comedy writer and creator of Count Binface. Jon combines credits from The Thick Of It and Have I Got News For You with real UK election experience to deliver audience-tested political comedy.

Jon Harvey (Count Binface) | Political Satirist Speaker
Jon Harvey

Jon Harvey

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Jon Harvey's biography

At a glance

  • Writer, The Thick Of It, Have I Got News For You
  • Creator of Count Binface, viewed 70M+ times online
  • Stood against 3 UK prime ministers since 2015

Jon Harvey is a veteran satirist, comedy writer, and performer whose work blends pointed political insight with theatrical absurdity, making him a distinctive voice for conferences, panels, and political events.


His writing and production credits span some of British satire's most recognised programmes, including The Thick of It, Have I Got News for You, Time Trumpet, Yes Minister, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, work that has shaped how a generation of viewers think and talk about politics.


Jon is also the creator and performer of Count Binface, a satirical character viewed more than 70 million times online, who has stood against three sitting UK prime ministers over the past decade, using the campaign trail to poke fun at politicians while celebrating the democratic process itself. The character combines genuine insider knowledge of political systems and campaigning with years of professional comedy writing, a pairing that has drawn praise from figures including Armando Iannucci and Rory Stewart.


Audiences leave his sessions with a clearer, funnier read on how politics and media actually operate. His material is tested on real campaign trails as well as in television writers' rooms, giving events genuine insider perspective alongside properly structured, professional comic timing.


Book Jon Harvey for a political speaker who brings genuine insider credentials and proven comic craft to any stage.

Jon's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Jon

Jon Harvey pairs insider political credentials with proven comic timing, from writing The Thick Of It and Have I Got News For You to a decade running against sitting prime ministers as Count Binface. He has just pledged to run against Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election, making him especially topical right now.

Testimonials

Always surprising. Always funny.

Armando Iannucci

Utterly brilliant.

Grayson Perry

Count Binface in his steely, glimmering, elusiveness is both a galactically intimidating and curiously heartening symbol of the future of British politics.

Rory Stewart

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jon Harvey for my next event?

Email jon.harvey@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Jon's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

Jon Harvey draws on material tested across real UK election campaigns — where he has stood against three sitting prime ministers as the character Count Binface — and television writers' rooms for programmes including The Thick Of It and Have I Got News For You, using that dual experience to frame observations about how politics and media operate.

What is Jon Harvey's speaking style like?

Jon Harvey draws on material tested across real UK election campaigns — where he has stood against three sitting prime ministers as the character Count Binface — and television writers' rooms for programmes including The Thick Of It and Have I Got News For You, using that dual experience to frame observations about how politics and media operate.

Jon Harvey draws on material tested across real UK election campaigns — where he has stood against three sitting prime ministers as the character Count Binface — and television writers' rooms for programmes including The Thick Of It and Have I Got News For You, using that dual experience to frame observations about how politics and media operate.

What topics does Jon Harvey specialise in?

Jon Harvey specialises in political satire, media commentary, and the mechanics of democratic campaigning. He is the creator and performer of Count Binface, a satirical character viewed more than 70 million times online, and has writing credits on The Thick of It, Have I Got News for You, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

Jon Harvey specialises in political satire, media commentary, and the mechanics of democratic campaigning. He is the creator and performer of Count Binface, a satirical character viewed more than 70 million times online, and has writing credits on The Thick of It, Have I Got News for You, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

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