An independent candidate in the Makerfield by-election has spoken out about dressing as a fox

Rob Pownall, founder of wildlife protection organisation Protect the Wild, is one of 14 people whose names will be on the ballot paper when voters go to the polls on Thursday, June 18.

He is standing for election as part of a protest campaign demanding stronger fox hunting laws.

Mr Pownall says his costume is intended to symbolise the animals affected by hunting across Britain, more than 20 years after the Hunting Act came into force.

“Foxes are still being chased and killed while politicians congratulate themselves for solving the problem years ago,” he said.

“If foxes had a voice in politics, I doubt they’d be very impressed.”

This is not the first time Mr Pownall has entered politics dressed as wildlife – in last month’s Scottish Parliament elections, he stood dressed as a giant gannet to raise awareness of the controversial Guga hunt in Scotland.

The campaign attracted national media attention and featured on BBC comedy panel show Have I Got News For You.

Mr Pownall’s latest campaign targets Labour directly during the Government’s ongoing public consultation on hunting laws.

He says he wants to ensure ministers follow through on promises to strengthen the Hunting Act and close loopholes that hunts continue to exploit.

His campaign is expected to include canvassing events, media stunts, interviews and social media videos throughout the constituency over the coming month.

Despite the humorous appearance of the campaign, Mr Pownall insists the issue itself is serious.

“This might look ridiculous,” he said, “but there’s nothing funny about wild animals being torn apart for entertainment while politicians delay action year after year.”

The by-election candidates are: Jake Austin (Liberal Democrats), Count Binface (Count Binface Party), Andy Burnham (Labour and Co-operative Party), Dan Clarke (Libertarian Party), John Dyer (independent), Ed Gemmell (Climate Party), Paul Gould (independent), Howling Laud Hope (Official Monster Raving Loony Party), Rob Kenyon (Reform UK), Robert Pownall (independent), Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain), Sarah Wakefield (Green Party), Peter Ward (Rejoin EU Bring in PR) and Michael Winstanley (Conservative).