Monster Raving Loony Party throws hat into by-election ring
PAThe Official Monster Raving Loony Party has named its leader and co-founder Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope as its candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
In a statement posted on social media, the party said: "We can confirm that our glorious leader Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope with selected agents will be standing against Andy Burnham in the forthcoming election in Makerfield."
It added: "We can also confirm that there is no intention to launch a leadership bid to replace our leader."
The by-election contest was triggered by the resignation of the Labour MP for Makerfield, Josh Simons. No date has yet been confirmed but it is expected to take place in June.
Hope founded the party with 1960s popstar Screaming Lord Sutch at a Devon pub in 1982 to "bring frivolity to dull elections".
Three other official candidates have been announced as standing in the Makerfield by-election:
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