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Hope got 136 votes
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Loony leader comes ninth in Eastleigh by-election

By Stephen Lloyd
March 01, 2013

A FLEET man's dreams of becoming the first Monster Raving Loony Party MP were dashed at the Eastleigh by-election on February 28.

Alan 'Howling Laud' Hope, who was born in Mytchett, went to school in Farnborough and was landlord of the Dog and Partridge pub in Yateley for five years, came ninth out of 14 candidates with 136 votes.

He was campaigning to get Southampton/Eastleigh airport renamed in honour of local comedian Benny Hill, as well as tackling parking issues in the Hampshire town.

The Liberal Democrats won the by-election, followed by the UK Independence Party, pushing the Conservatives into third place. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Liberal Democrat Chris Huhne after he admitted perverting the course of justice over claims his then-wife took speeding points for him in 2003.

His former wife Vicky Pryce denies the same offence and a retrial is currently taking place, after the previous jury failed to reach a verdict.

The by-election turnout was 52.7%, down from 69.3% at the 2010 general election.

Full results: Mike Thornton (Liberal Democrat) 13,342, Diane James (UKIP) 11,571, Maria Hutchings (Conservative) 10,559, John O'Farrell (Labour) 4,088, Danny Stupple (Independent) 768, Dr Iain Maclennan (National Health Action Party) 392, Ray Hall (Beer, Baccy and Crumpet Party) 235, Kevin Milburn (Christian Party) 163, Alan 'Howling Laud' Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party) 136, Jim Duggan (Peace Party) 128, David Bishop (Elvis Loves Pets) 72, Michael Walters (English Democrats) 70, Daz Procter (Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts) 62, Colin Bex (Wessex Regionalist) 30.

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