Jul 5, 2024
By: Ankush Banerjee
Credit: @bobbysmith2765/via X
In the UK, anyone with a £500 deposit and 10 supporting signatures can run for election, leading to a colourful array of candidates each year. Here are ten of the most popular unusual contenders, from AI-generated candidates to intergalactic space warriors!
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Satirical intergalactic space warrior created by comedian Jonathan David Harvey. Known for humorous manifesto pledges, including national service for former prime ministers.
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A veteran comedy candidate party fielding characters like Howling 'Laud' Hope and Baron Von Thunderclap. Famous for its humorous and satirical approach to politics.
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Led by Graham Moore (Daddy Dragon), this nationalist party promotes controversial ideas like returning to common law practices and "Make England Great Again" (MEGA).
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Founded by conspiracy theorist Mark Steele, focusing on anti-5G and other conspiracy theories about modern communication networks.
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The world's first AI-generated political candidate, represented by Steve Endacott. Aims to use AI to make decisions based on constituent input, promising a radical approach to democracy.
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A marketing stunt by pub owner Chris French, who registered his establishment as a political party and is running as the sole candidate for Richmond Park.
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Advocates for the legalisation of psychedelic drugs, the establishment of 24-hour cannabis cafes, and the use of ayahuasca in church ceremonies.
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Founded by Mike Gilbert to represent blue-collar workers, promoting small-state socialism and rejecting traditional right or left-wing platforms.
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Developed in response to COVID-19 restrictions, advocating for freedom from state and corporate control, and opposing several contemporary policies and technologies.
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Bobby Smith, who dresses as Elmo, campaigns for fathers' rights and has stood in multiple elections, including against Labour leader Keir Starmer.
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