Al Murray Pub Landlord To Run Against Farage

Comedian Al Murray has said he intends to stand for Parliament at the General Election in the guise of The Pub Landlord.

The star - whose creation is famed for extolling the joys of all things British - plans to stand against Nigel Farage in Thanet South, Kent, for his newly-formed Free United Kingdom Party.

Explaining his decision to stand, The Pub Landlord said: "It seems to me that the UK is ready for a bloke waving a pint around, offering common sense solutions."

His comments will not be lost on many of those familiar with Mr Farage, who is often pictured in pubs with a drink in his hand.

A website Murray has set up for his campaign carries the slogan: "Other parties offer the moon on a stick. We'll do better than that: a British moon on a British stick."

Mr Farage's team claimed to be unconcerned about the threat posed by The Pub Landlord.

The politician tweeted: "The more, the merrier! @almurray."

A spokesman for the UKIP leader said: "At last, serious competition in the constituency."

Oxford-educated Murray has created a 13-point action plan in the guise of his patriotic character, in which he promises: "The pound will be revalued at one pound 10p, so it will now be worth 10p more. Common sense.

Other proposals include ideas for the currency: "I pledge that the UK will leave Europe by 2025 and the edge of the Solar System by 2050. Common Market sense."

And a pledge on law and order: "Unemployment causes crime: I propose to lock up the unemployed. Common sense."

In his online address, Murray explains: "The reason I'm standing is because the system is broken, we all know it is. You hear people saying 'you shouldn't vote'. Well you should vote boys and girls, you should vote for me."

He also promises "1p a pint", although "crisps will remain at the current price".

Earlier this week the Happy Mondays dancer Bez - whose real name is Mark Berry - launched his own political bid as he confirmed his plans to stand for election for his Reality Party in Salford.

However, it has since emerged that the party has been deregistered by the Electoral Commission, which ruled its name was too similar to the Realists' Party.

Bez was reportedly advised to change the name by Monday, but failed to do so.