Monster Raving Loony Party Interviews

Interview with Howling Laud Hope (Leader of The Monster Raving Loony Party)

~ John Reynolds ~ 2 Comments

The Monster Raving Loony Party are the most well-known satirical party. They were set up in the early 1980s and lead by musician David Sutch (also known as ‘Screaming Lord Sutch.’) Following his death in 1999, the party had to elect a new leader. Alan ‘Howling Laud’ Hope was elected as new joint-leader of the party along with his pet cat ‘Catmando.’

Despite being branded as a joke party, several of their policies have actually become law including scrapping the 11+ exam, pubs being open all day and that pets should have passports. It was a pleasure to be able to interview the current leader, Howling Laud Hope.

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  • How important is it that young people take an interest in politics?

“This is greatly important to us. We originally were set-up and called The NATIONAL TEENAGE PARTY back in 1963 with the main aim of highlighting the absurdity of 18-20 year olds being able to join the armed forces, marry, drink, smoke and pay TAX but they were denied a voice on who represented them …. we fixed that!”

  • What is the best thing about being leader of The Monster Raving Loony Party?

“Simply because Lord Sutch and myself started the party in 1982, and I feel very privileged that I am able to carry it forward to the future !”

  • Seven of the Monster Raving Loony Party’s policies have become law. This includes ‘passports for pets’ and ‘pubs open all day.’ Does this show that the party is more than a joke party?

“We never regard our activities as a joke, more a good natured ‘think-tank’ that the other parties can then steal our ideas from.”

  • Do you think UKIP are stealing your thunder?

“They are welcome to it, however we will defend our sunshine & rainbow vehemently so woe betide them if they try to steal that.”

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  • Why do you think young people should vote for The Monster Raving Loony Party?

“Because they can.”

  • How did it feel to receive more votes than the BNP and have twice as many candidates as them?

“This was not a major surprise to us and equally not that important in the grand scheme of things anyway.”

  • Are there any plans to have a candidate standing in West Lancs (my constituency) at the next General Election?

“We certainly do and our candidate’s name will hopefully be a certain Captain J Reynolds!”

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