Why candidates dress up and run in major UK elections (opens original article in a new tab)

Costumed candidates in UK elections, such as Count Binface and Howling Laud Hope, have been a longstanding tradition, using their platforms to highlight issues and satirical messages, with some influencing future policies.

• Costumed candidates are a longstanding tradition in UK elections, with figures like Count Binface and Howling Laud Hope participating for decades.
• These candidates often use their platforms to highlight specific issues or satirical messages, sometimes influencing future policies.
• The Monster Raving Loony Party, founded in 1982, has campaigned on various issues that have led to legal changes, such as extending pub opening hours and lowering the voting age.