The Monster Raving Loony party intends to change its name at this year’s general election.

Jason “Chinners” Chinnery, who has been the party’s candidate in Esher and Walton in the previous two elections, told the Elmbridge Guardian the party had made a sponsorship deal with bookmaker William Hill and will soon be known as the Monster Raving Loony William Hill Party.

Chinners, who is also the party’s Shadow Minister for Fortean Spinning and Bouncing, said: “It’s a little dig at the system, to see if we can get away with it.

"There was nothing in the rules to stop us, but I’m sure they’ll outlaw it soon.”

Chinners also said he had approached Esher and Walton’s Conservative MP Ian Taylor – who announced last year he would not be seeking re-election – to be his campaign manager.

Mr Taylor declined the position, but said: “Sometimes I get offers that are almost too tempting to turn down.

“But I eventually saw wiser judgement with that one.”