Lunatic fringe or the last bastion of true democracy?

Jabel Ahmed takes a look at the unlikely MPs, from an AI character named 'Steve' to 'Daddy Dragon' and the English Constitution Party, standing in a constituency near you...

- Jabel Ahmed

With only days to go until the general election, voters checking their ballot papers may be surprised by some of the political parties running in their constituencies.

While most people are aware of the political big hitters, there are a few underdog parties that fly under the radar. Some of these parties are set up with satirical intent to provide comic relief to voters, while others attempt to make real political statements.

From Count Binface Party to A Blue Revolution, The Independent has put together a list of those fielding unusual candidates in the general election.

Chris French, 47, registered his pub as a political party, and is running as the sole candidate for the bar in the general election.

Mr French had a brainwave 12 months ago and decided to run as an MP for Richmond Park in Greater London in order to get publicity for his establishment. He is not optimistic about unseating the incumbent Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney but said he will “definitely get one vote” – from himself.

“Now whether Gillian (Craigie) my partner votes for me, I’m not too sure. If I only get one vote, it might be quite a frosty evening. Hopefully I’ll get two votes,” he said.

His hypothetical manifesto includes closing all the other pubs down in Richmond.

Count Binface Party

Count Binface, the self-described intergalactic space warrior, is attempting to unseat prime minister Rishi Sunak in his North Yorkshire constituency.

Binface, the satirical political character created by comedian Jonathan David Harvey, is hoping to strike a chord with voters by promising to introduce national service for former prime ministers and invite European countries to join the UK.

His manifesto, titled “Bloody Loyal To Wherever I’m Standing For Election”, also includes double-locking pensions but with a little extra chain on the side and representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.