Monster raving loony enters Liz Truss election battle

But undeterred, Earl Elvis of East Anglia is back for a second time standing against Liz Truss for her South West Norfolk seat.

The Monster Raving Loony Party candidate, whose real name is Ashley Inwood, hopes he can woo voters with their characteristically whacky policies, campaigning with the slogan: "Forget the trash, vote for Ash".

Liz Truss with the Earl Elvis of East Anglia at the 2019 General Election count (Image: Simon Parkin)

These range from enforcing the sale of socks in packs of three so you always have a spare, introducing a 99p coin to make pennies obsolete and for all political material to be printed on soft toilet paper so it can be "recycled in the appropriate manner."

The Earl Elvis of East Anglia's leaflet, showing the Monster Raving Loony Party's manifesto (Image: Ashley Inwood)

While doubtful he stands a chance of beating the former PM, the self-employed gardener in his 60s hopes for a better result than in 2019.

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"With nine candidates, it will probably be a lot tighter. My ambition is just not to come last," he said.

In preparation for the election, Mr Inwood says he has bought a new yellow suit for the occasion and he is looking forward to trying it on at an upcoming hustings event in Downham Market on June 20 - his first appearance at such an event.

"I am sure it will be interesting - hopefully I won't get booed," he added.

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Ashley Inwood would like to see the electoral system changed in the UK

Mr Inwood's motivation for standing is that he believes voters should be offered more choice on the ballot paper and he has also railed against the current electoral system.

"We have always said there should be a box at the bottom saying 'none of the above'.

"I also believe there should be electoral reform. We need proportional representation to make it fairer."

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As per the rules of the party, if Mr Inwood does win the seat, he won't remain a Monster loony for long.

"We have a rule where if you win, you get kicked out - it means you took it all too seriously."

The South West Norfolk candidates are: Earl Elvis of East Anglia (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party), Liz Truss (Conservative), Terry Jermy (Labour), Pallavi Devulapalli (Green Party), Lorraine Douglas (Communist Party of Britain), James Bagge (Independent), Toby McKenzie (Reform UK), Josie Ratcliffe (Liberal Democrats) and Gary Conway (Heritage Party).