The Monster Raving Loony Party, which was founded in Devon, is fighting for survival as it struggles for funding .
The Loony political party which became a stalwart of elections after being founded near in Ashburton 30 years ago is in the midst of a funding crisis after losing its main financial backer.
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party has been a feature of the British political landscape since it was born at the Golden Lion pub in Ashburton in 1982.
But the party, once led by Screaming Lord Sutch and now under the iron hand of Ashburton man Alan Howling Laud Hope, is facing a fight for its future .
Until recently bookmaker William Hill covered many of the costs associated with the party.
But Laud Hope told website Buzzfeed they have pulled funding.
He said: "William Hill have been with us for 20-odd years but the board has changed and they've got some other ideas , so Eastleigh was the last by-election they sponsored us at."
He added: "We'd like a sponsor, we really would. We've got a couple in mind but no one's stepped forward and said they'll take it on."
Standing a candidate for an election costs £500.
Laud Hope said: "We are part of the British constitution, it wouldn't be the same without us."
The Monster Raving Loony party finished just 840 votes behind the Liberal Democrats at the recent Newark by-election.
Lord Sutch contested 41 parliamentary seats in all.
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party was formed in 1982 on June 16 by Lord Sutch and Alan Hope at the Golden Lion in Ashburton.
Lord Sutch was the first to stand for the OMRLP 26th Feb 1983 at a By-election in 'Bermondsey' polling 97 votes.
His best ever vote was in Rotherham on May 5, 1994 when he polled 1,114 votes, his worst ever was in Kensington on July 14 1988 polling 61 votes.
Lord Sutch stood in Finchley against Margaret Thatcher.
The party's policies include forcing all fast food outlets to mark their wares 'may contain traces of real food'.
They would also hold a referendum on membership of the EU with the three options of 'in', 'out' and 'shake it all about'.
They also want to attach bungee cords to all vehicles to save fuel on return journeys.
