The Barmy Army has distanced itself from one of its most recognisable fans after he announced his candidacy for Reform UK in the 2026 local elections.
Vic Flowers, 74, announced last week that he was standing for Reform in the Medlock Vale ward in the elections for Oldham Council on May 7.
Flowers has been seen on England tours with the Barmy Army since 1998 and, owing to his distinctive look and outrageous clothing, which often involved the St George’s Cross, he was occasionally even labelled the group’s unofficial leader. While he has been seen less on tour in recent years, he was in Australia for the 2025-26 Ashes.
The Barmy Army, founded in 1995, is not just a supporters club but a well-oiled business machine organising tour packages and much more besides. In response to Flowers’ announcement, the group released a statement which 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.
“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.”
‘Farage is a good leader. I’ll follow him’
Flowers said he had “never” been interested in politics, telling the Manchester Evening News he had “always been a working-class boy” but tended not to vote. He added that he once voted for Tony Blair’s Labour Party, but now considers that a “mistake”.
As he announced his candidacy for Reform on St George’s Day, former carpenter Flowers donned his usual red-and-white regalia and held placards saying “Vote Reform” and “Get Starmer Out”.
Asked if he had thought about getting involved in politics before, he said: ”Never. It’s so far removed. I’m no politician. But if you can contribute, do it. I was able to do it.
“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.
“He [Nigel Farage] 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.
“He calls a spade a spade. He’s not one of these people who say things and mean something else. I think he’s quite up front. Since Margaret Thatcher we have not had anything like a leader in this country, and I think that is what is needed, leadership.”
Of his experience with the Barmy Army, Flowers 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.”