A man in a fox costume is the latest candidate to be named in the Makerfield by-election
A man dressed in a fox costume has joined the race to become the next MP for Makerfield.
Robert Pownall, from campaign organisation Protect The Wild, has announced he will stand in the by-election to raise awareness of the campaign to end hunting with hounds.
It is not the first time he has stood for election in an animal costume.
In a Substack article, he wrote: “Just when I thought I might get a few months off from standing in national elections, arguably the biggest by-election in recent history gets announced.
“And just as I stood in the Scottish elections dressed as a giant gannet to raise awareness for the campaign to end the Guga hunt, I’ll now be doing the same in the ongoing fight to finally bring an end to hunting with hounds.
“The costume is ready — admittedly a little more terrifying-looking than the gannet — and today I’m in Wigan to officially hand in my paperwork and secure my place on the ballot.”
He explained he does “not trust this Government to deliver for animals” and fears a public consultation on banning trail hunting “will not go far enough”.
Mr Pownall said the by-election offered “a national platform” to raise concerns and pressure the Government to ban hunting.
The deadline for nominations in the by-election is 4pm on Tuesday, with voters going to the polls on Thursday, June 18.
The candidates announced so far are: Andy Burnham (Labour), Robert Kenyon (Reform UK), Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain), Michael Winstanley (Conservative), Jake Austin (Liberal Democrats), Alan “Howlin” Laud Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party) and Peter Ward (Rejoin EU).