Monster Raving Loony candidate defects to Conservative Party

Conservatives in Croydon, south London, have welcomed a new loony to their ranks this week. John Cartwright, known as John Loony, changed his allegiances to the Conservative Party after 17 years representing the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.



On his website Mr Cartwright describes himself as a glorious, brilliant and charismatic politician. Mr Cartwright, 44, who received 110 votes in the recent Croydon North by-election when he stood for the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, became a Loony in 1996 after a spell with the Chocolate Fudge Cake Party.

When asked whether he would miss being a Loony, Mr Cartwright, who stood in the 2001, 2005 and 2010 general elections, winning 408, 193 and 192 votes respectively, said: "A little bit, yes. It was fun to go to the party conference. It's usually held in Hampshire. We hang around a pub for a few days and do silly things. But they always said I was too serious. I was a bit of a rebel like that."



He was welcomed into the Conservative Party by Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell. Mr Barwell said: “I’ve long said to him that he should get involved in one of the main parties and I’m delighted that he has chosen the Conservatives.” Croydon Conservatives tweeted: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome John Loony, latterly of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, to the Conservatives in Croydon.”