The Barmy Army has distanced itself from one of its best-known members after he announced he was standing for Reform in May’s local elections.

Vic Flowers, 74, who has been touted as the unofficial leader of the England cricket fans’ group, revealed last week he was representing Nigel Farage’s party in the Oldham Council election.

Mr Flowers is known for his bold outfits featuring an abundance of England-themed clobber, which make him easy to pick out in the crowd – as cameras often do.

He has been spotted among the Barmy Army for many of England’s games at home and overseas, after making his first appearance in 1998.

While the fan has appeared less often on tour in recent years, he did make the trip to Australia for the Ashes at the end of last year.

More than an informal group, the Barmy Army is a well-organised business, and the official supporters’ club for the England cricket side.

It offers tickets, travel packages and merchandise in its effort to supply every England match with a good atmosphere.

In response to Mr Flowers’ announcement, it issued a statement that read: ‘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. 

Vic Flowers, who has been touted as the unofficial leader of the Barmy Army, announced he was standing as a Reform UK candidate in the upcoming local elections

In response, the Barmy Army distances itself from Mr Flowers, and made clear his views did not represent those of the group

The Barmy Army posted its statement on X on Tuesday afternoon

‘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 Barmy Army does not endorse any political agenda, candidate or campaign, and remains entirely focused on supporting England cricket in a way that unites and celebrates our supporters.’

Mr Flowers revealed he was standing for Reform UK in the Medlock Vale ward in east Manchester, which marks his first foray into politics.

He formally unveiled his candidacy on St George’s Day (April 23), with the red cross emblazoned on his outfit, hat and flag.

Mr Flowers told the Manchester Evening News he had always been working-class, and did not usually vote, but that he now feels compelled to try to make change.

He said he was motivated by seeing so many people ‘fed up’, as well as an attraction to Farage.

Mr Flowers said of the Reform leader: ‘He is quite a good leader, and, just like in The Barmy Army, you must have a leader, a good leader. Farage is cut out for that. I’ll follow him…

‘Since Margaret Thatcher we have not had anything like a leader in this country, and I think that is what is needed, leadership.’

He added that he believes a vote for him would be a ‘protest vote’, but that Reform could offer the area ‘a bit of honesty’.

Mr Flowers, who grew up on Ashton Road in Medlock Vale, attended a now-closed secondary modern school before becoming a joiner and carpenter, and now lives alone in Hathershaw. 

He said he is ‘very patriotic’, and rings the bells in Oldham Parish Church every Sunday.

Reform UK has been approached for comment.