Lord Buckethead fails to unseat Theresa May in Maidenhead despite pro-cycling campaign promises

Theresa May didn’t have the best of nights, but she did at least manage to hold onto her Maidenhead constituency despite a strong challenge from Lord Buckethead, who had promised ‘free bikes for everyone’.

The Guardian reports that Lord Buckethead – a character from the cult sci-fi comedy Gremloids –previously stood against Margaret Thatcher in 1987 and against John Major in 1992.

This time around, his colourful manifesto featured the innovative promise: “Free bikes for everyone, to help combat obesity, traffic congestion and bike theft.”

Despite this appealing offer, he only managed to attract 249 votes to May’s 37,718.

The candidate nevertheless celebrated the result as “a new Buckethead record”.

249! A new Buckethead record! Something to celebrate, eh? #GeneralElection17 pic.twitter.com/cCx7Utc8EL

— Lord Buckethead (@LordBuckethead) June 9, 2017

Lord Buckethead had campaigned by distributing 38,300 fliers, captioned: "Strong, not entirely stable, leadership. Vote Lord Buckethead for the most powerful protest vote in the galaxy."

He prepared for his appearance alongside the Prime Minister by doing a pub quiz…

Before I take on your Prime Minister, a quick stop-off at the pub quiz in the Maiden's Head. Because that's how I roll. pic.twitter.com/BdcsrDHptH

— Lord Buckethead (@LordBuckethead) June 8, 2017

… and playing bowls.

Like your Earth warrior Sir Francis Drake, I shall enter battle when and only when I've finished my game of bowls. #GE17 #Buckethead pic.twitter.com/hhmPLsjQ5a

— Lord Buckethead (@LordBuckethead) June 8, 2017

He then did a dab on stage.

Morning! No, you didn't dream it. I stood on a stage with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. (And I did a dab). #anewdawnhasbroken pic.twitter.com/Qj4Gk2Fqzi

— Lord Buckethead (@LordBuckethead) June 9, 2017