The Barmy Army has said its “unofficial leader” does not represent their views after he announced he was standing for Reform UK in the upcoming local elections.
Vic Flowers, 74, announced last week he would stand for Reform UK in the Medlock Vale ward in the elections for Oldham Council on May 7.
Mr Flowers is one of the more notable England cricket supporters due to his distinctive look and outrageous clothing.
He discovered the Army in Melbourne in 1998 and often led the group in singing.
In 2004, it was reported that he sold all his belongings to dedicate himself to being a member – and he has been labelled the unofficial leader of the group.
He was most recently spotted in Australia for the 2025-26 Ashes, but has been seen less on tour in recent years.
But in response to his political announcement, the Barmy Army released a statement which said he was not an “active member” of the group.
The Army, founded in 1995, also serves as a business, organising tour packages and selling priority tickets to England matches.
PICTURED: Vic Flowers, wearing an English flag hat and top, supporting England against Barbados in 2007
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In 2009 it was reported the group paid for tours for him and fellow notable member Billy Cooper, commonly known as Billy the Trumpet.
But the Army has now said: “We wish to be clear that the individual referred to in recent media coverage, in connection with his candidacy for Reform UK at a local election, is not an active member of the Barmy Army, nor is he employed by, or affiliated with, the Barmy Army in any official capacity.
“Any views attributed to him do not reflect the views, values or position of the Barmy Army as an organisation or its wider support community.”
The group clarified it does not any endorse any political agenda, candidate, or campaign.
REFORM UK IN THE LOCAL ELECTIONS – READ MORE:
The Barmy Army has distanced itself from their unofficial leader Vic Flowers, saying he does not reflect their views, values, or positions
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Mr Flowers told the Manchester Evening News he had not previously been involved in politics and did not usually vote, having previously voted for Sir Tony Blair’s Labour – which he now believes was a “mistake”.
He said: “The way things have gone in this country, I feel it needs my contribution, whatever that might be.
“There are so many people who are fed up. I’m fed up. Things have to be done. And if you can do something, do it.”
Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage, whom Mr Flowers described as “different”, was the reason the dedicated England supporter said he decided to stand.
Vic Flowers said Nigel Farage was ‘a good leader’ he was willing to follow
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“Just like in The Barmy Army you must have a leader, a good leader. Farage is cut out for that. I’ll follow him,” he said.
He said Mr Farage is willing to “call a spade a spade”, adding that since Margaret Thatcher, Britain has not had “anything like a leader”.
For residents in the ward of Medlock Vale, Mr Flowers said he and Reform UK would offer a “bit of honesty” and accused the current Labour leadership of Oldham Council of wastefully spending money.
Comparing his experience in the Barmy Army to a potential political career, the joiner and carpenter by trade said: “To stand up in front of a big crowd, it takes some guts. I think you have got to have a certain amount of leadership in you.
“I discovered a lot about myself. Things have moved on now. Before it was cricket, now it was politics.”
The Candidates standing in Medlock Vale ward for Oldham Council in the 2026 local elections are:
- Shona Farnworth (Liberal Democrats)
- Victor Flowers (Reform uK)
- Cameron Lee Gates (Green)
- Junaid Hussain (Labour and Co-operative)
- Sharoon Zaman (Oldham Group Party)