Comedian Al Murray is hoping to leave the opposition shell-shocked - after putting creme eggs high on his political agenda.

The Pub Landlord yesterday announced he will be standing for his newly-formed Free United Kingdom Party in the Thanet South seat - alongside Ukip's Nigel Farage.

Murray, 46, has posted a campaign video to his website, in which his character - an outspoken anglophile - sets out his policies.

But just hours after releasing his 13-point plan of action in his election campaign, the Pub Landlord scrambled to fight another hot issue - creme eggs.

Chocolate fans have been in uproar after Cadbury's reduced their six-pack of creme eggs to five - with little change in the price.

US giant Kraft also revealed plans to ditch the use of Dairy Milk for "standard cocoa mix chocolate".

The comic tweeted: "Sorry, this didn't make the broadcast: @FUKPnews hereby pledges that we will restore the cream egg to its old size/recipe."

The comic also shelled out for a full-page add in the Metro newspaper, declaring: "It seems to me that the UK is ready for a bloke waving a pint around, offering common sense solutions."

Political editor Paul Francis's take on The Pub Landlord's bid for a seat in Westminster

As part of his manifesto, the Pub Landlord would "make South Thanet the new capital of the UK," and set up a "demilitarised zone" between North and South Thanet.

In the video, the Pub Landlord tells prospective voters: "I pledge that the UK will leave Europe by 2025 and the edge of the Solar System by 2050. Common Market sense.

"In the meantime Greece to be bought and operated by Kent County Council. Couldn't be worse. Someone to do the bins at least."

He continues: "Let it be known that like many of the Parliamentary hopefuls in the forthcoming election, I have no idea where South Thanet is - but did that stop Margaret Thatcher from saving the Falkland Islands? No."

The comic's full manifesto is due to be released shortly after he has finished "getting to know the common man", according to his website.

The surprise announcement has not fazed fellow pint-swiller Nigel Farage, who announced his intention to stand in Thanet South last year.

In a tweet he simply said "the more, the merrier!"

But on Thursday, May 7 - election day itself - the comedian won't be in Thanet, but on the other side of the county.

He is due to perform his One Man, One Guvnor show at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford then, and venue bosses have confirmed it will still go ahead.

The Thanet South seat is currently held by Conservative Laura Sandys MP, who is standing down.

Also contesting the seat is Medway councillor Conservative Craig Mackinlay, Labour’s Will Scobie and Liberal Democrat Russ Timpson.

Reacting to the news, Mr Mackinlay said: "I’m sort of dumbfounded, it’s becoming a bit of a circus. I don’t think anybody could take it as serious.

"This is a bit of a slight and a mickey-take out of Ukip but it will add to the fun down there and I look forward to meeting him."

Video: The Pub Landlord sets out his plan of action

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