A great year for us Loonies. First the ‘Welsh Assembly Elections’ which resulted in a major first, our very first ever Party Political Broadcast. Although I was not around for the filming, well done to all those that were, you were all great. I was there for the Election itself though, we stood in all five seats and didn’t come last anywhere. In fact overall – 5,743 Welsh voters wanted us to represent them in Parliament.
May was an interesting month, a gang of us Loonies converged on The Soho Theatre in Dean St, London. With the compliments of James Graham (writer) and Jenny Topper (producer) for the premier of the London opening of ‘Monster Raving Loony’ a very good, sad, and exciting play of ‘Lord David Sutch’. The audience included many people who remembered him, and all spoke well of their memories and recollections of our Spiritual Leader.
June saw us fighting the Tooting by-election, where we came 7th from 14 candidates, actually finishing in the top half.
July, I was invited down to Ashburton to stay at ‘The Golden Lion’ with the compliments of the new owners, although not a hotel anymore. They were very interested in the history of the Party, and its humble beginnings here on June 16th 1982. In fact I do believe we may have a candidate for this area, come another general election!
September, yet another great conference in Blackpool, Good Fun, Games, and Jollification was had by all.
October saw us at the By-election in Witney Oxfordshire, our candidate,‘The Mad Hatter’ did us proud, once again, not coming last. Whilst there I was involved in a documentary about the history of ‘Great British Party Leaders’. I was very honoured on our behalf, to be asked to be involved.
Then a sudden rush, December you expect to be quiet, but no such luck, two By-elections in a row. Firstly Dec 1st in Richmond Park London, I was the candidate, we came 4th from 8 candidates. Twice in the same year being placed in the top half of the poll, a feat that has not gone unnoticed by the Political Pundits!!!
Then 8th December in Sleaford Lincolnshire, ‘The Iconic Arty Pole’ obtained 200 votes and also escaped coming last, another great result.
Not all over yet, on the 15th Dec I was invited along to The Lakeside Club, Frimley Green to take part in another TV documentary about the Life and times of Screaming Lord Sutch and the Loony Party. Along with Bob Potter, Wild Bob Burgos and many others involved along the way.
I trust that you all had a very Merry Christmas and wish you all a very very Happy New Year. Its looking good already, our spies in the skies inform us that there is likely, or could be, 7/8 By-elections this year.
I have not heard from anyone about a Conference venue for 2017, so have put Blackpool on Red Alert. If any ideas are in the grapevine, hold on to them for discussion.
2017 Greetings From
Howling ‘Laud’ Hope
Party Leader.