Comedian Al Murray has announced his intention to stand against UK Independence Party (Ukip) leader Nigel Farage in the South Thanet constituency at the upcoming general election. Murray will run under his alter ego, 'the Pub Landlord,' representing the Free United Kingdom Party (FUKP).
In a video launching his campaign, Murray declared, 'It seems to me that the UK is ready for a bloke waving a pint around offering common sense solutions.' His pledges include reducing the price of a pint of beer to 1p and sealing the Channel Tunnel with bricks.
Nigel Farage is seeking to win the Kent seat from the Conservative Party, currently held by Laura Sandys. The constituency has been described as 'an economically stagnant coastal seat, where there are lots of older, white and angry voters.'
Murray's '13-point common sense action plan' includes revaluing the pound to £1.10, introducing national service only for those who do not want to do it, and locking up the unemployed on the grounds that 'unemployment causes crime.' He also proposes making Alex Salmond first minister for Norwich and using a 'new improved Street Raffle' to determine school placements.
On foreign policy, the Pub Landlord offers a single line: 'Germany has been too quiet for too long. Just saying.' He also suggests making South Thanet the new capital of the UK and establishing a demilitarised zone between North and South Thanet. The UK would leave Europe by 2025 and the solar system by 2050.
Al Murray is reported to be a distant cousin of Prime Minister David Cameron through 19th-century author William Thackeray.
