A Conservative councillor has ignited a political firestorm by releasing a highly unconventional campaign video styled like the violent video game Grand Theft Auto, which depicts him using a rocket launcher to destroy solar farms.
The bizarre advert, created by South Kesteven District Councillor Richard Cleaver, is a direct protest against the proliferation of solar energy projects in the Lincolnshire countryside. In the video, Cllr Cleaver's pixelated avatar is seen traversing a virtual landscape before taking aim and obliterating panels with explosive weaponry.
Satire or Step Too Far?
Defending his creative approach, Cllr Cleaver stated the video was intended as a satirical critique of current energy policy. He argues that large-scale solar farms are an inefficient use of agricultural land and a blight on the rural landscape.
However, the stunt has been met with widespread condemnation from environmental groups and political opponents. Critics have slammed the video as irresponsible and dangerously inflammatory, accusing the councillor of promoting violence and undermining serious debate about the UK's renewable energy transition.
A Divided Reaction
The video has unsurprisingly gone viral, generating a mix of outrage and bewildered amusement online. While some constituents have praised the councillor for his "creative" protest, many others have called for his resignation, labelling the act unbecoming of a public official.
The local Conservative Association has since distanced itself from the video, emphasising that it was a personal project by Cllr Cleaver and does not reflect the official stance of the party. The incident raises serious questions about the boundaries of political satire and the lengths to which officials will go to protest government policy.
