Tax on Cheryl Cole songs spurs madcap Tom on in his election bid

JOSH PETTITT REPORTS: Piratical parliamentary candidate Mad Cap n Tom was the first to plunder the media room s snacks at the Westminster count night. Tom Scott, a 25-year-old independent candidate for the Cities of London and Westminster, made a mad dash from Channel 4 s Alte

Piratical parliamentary candidate Mad Cap'n Tom was the first to plunder the media room's snacks at the Westminster count night.

Tom Scott, a 25-year-old independent candidate for the Cities of London and Westminster, made a mad dash from Channel 4's Alternative Election Night in Shepherd's Bush to the count at the Queen Mother Sports Centre in Westminster.

He said: "It was fantastic being in the audience but I thought it would probably be better to come here when the count started- it was a bit rude to be out there too long."

Mr Scott, who lists tax free rum and a 50 per cent tax levy on Cheryl Cole songs in his manifesto, resisted the temptation of a national interview to make it to the count.

"They be interviewing Conservative supporters, Labour supporters and the nutters- of which there were five or six," he said, adopting the seafarers lingo.

"I said to them I had to be out of there by 10.30pm and unfortunately it meant they would not get to me in time."

The freelance web and video designer, originally from Leeds, lost a bet with a friend but says he does not regret it for a second.

"It has been worth it," he said. "It has been three weeks of going around having a fantastic time and making people laugh. It has been absolutely worth it."

But Mr Scott was a little less optimistic about his chances of wresting the seat from Conservative Mark Field.

"Me thinks me chances be somewhere betwixt slim and limited. I would be happy getting double figures," he said.

But he admitted it might all turn out for the best: "The worst possible result would be me winning and the second is the election being re-run.