Why candidates dress up to run in major UK elections
Why Candidates Dress Up to Run in Major UK Elections
Why candidates dress up to run - In the recent Makerfield by-election, Andy Burnham, a Labour candidate vying for the role of prime minister, was greeted by supporters in unconventional attire. Among them was a man in a fox costume and another portraying an "intergalactic space warrior" with a binocular face. These whimsical figures were unremarkable to onlookers, as Burnham clasped hands with Count Binface and Alan "Howling Laud" Hope, the leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, before delivering his victory address.
The Rise of Costumed Candidates
Quirky scenes like this have become a staple of UK political campaigns, with candidates often embracing satire to highlight causes. Rob Pownall, who runs Protect the Wild, an organization promoting British wildlife, showcased this trend by campaigning for Makerfield as a fox. His efforts aimed to draw attention to overlooked environmental issues, such as the continued practice of fox hunting, which he addressed during his handshake with Burnham.
“It was a brilliant display of British democracy in action,” Pownall remarked, viewing costumed politics as a reflection of the nation’s “unique eccentric energy.”
Costume politics isn’t new for Pownall. In May, he ran as a giant gannet in the Scottish Parliament election, advocating against the Guga hunt, a centuries-old Hebridean tradition. His motivation was to “shine a light on issues that don’t get the headlines,” a goal he pursued through his creative approach to campaigning.
A Legacy of Political Satire
Count Binface, a recurring figure in elections, has challenged prominent politicians, including former prime ministers Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. His manifesto for Makerfield includes policies like “wifi on trains that works” and “the UK’s entrant at Eurovision 2027.” When asked about his candidacy, Binface cited quirky goals, such as replacing traffic lights on Liverpool Road and setting a price cap for Wigan kebabs at £2.
“I believe elected mayors should serve out their terms before they’re eligible to stand for parliament,” Binface added.
The Loony Party, which Hope has led for over four decades, has a long history of satirical campaigns. The group has fielded more than 200 candidates and is known for pushing unconventional ideas, such as lowering the voting age to 16. This policy, once a party platform, has since been adopted in parts of Scotland and Wales, with Labour recently proposing a bill to extend it nationwide.
The Cost of Running
Candidates in UK elections pay a deposit of £500, which is refunded if they secure more than 5% of the votes. This rule, introduced in 1985 by Margaret Thatcher’s government, was designed to discourage fringe candidates. However, the 1986 Fulham by-election, where Sutch and others campaigned in costume, demonstrated its limitations. Despite the low threshold, costumed contenders like Count Binface and Alan Hope have managed to influence public discourse and even shape legislation.
Hope, who has contested at least 38 elections, has been a key figure in popularizing costume politics. His party’s early campaigns, such as advocating for daytime pub openings and reducing the voting age, have seen some of their proposals enacted. Meanwhile, the tradition of dressing up continues to blend humor with serious messaging, offering a distinctive voice in the political landscape.