The Barmy Army has distanced itself from its “unofficial leader” after he announced he was standing for Reform in May's local elections.
Vic Flowers, 74, is one of the England cricket supporters group’s most recognisable fans, and announced last week that he was standing for Reform UK in the Medlock Vale ward in the elections for Oldham Council on May 7.
Known for his distinctive look and clothing, Flowers has been seen on England tours since 1998, and though he has travelled less often on tour in recent years, he was in Australia for the 2025/26 Ashes. He was occasionally even labelled the group’s unofficial leader.
He often led the group in singing, and in 2004 it was reported that he sold all his belongings to dedicate himself to being a member.
The Barmy Army, founded in 1995, is an organised business rather than an informal supporters club, organising tour packages, merchandise and selling priority tickets for England matches, as well as supplying every England match with a good atmosphere.
And the group has released a statement, confirming that Flowers was not an "active member" of the group, and clarifying that they do not endorse any particular party.
The statement 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.”
Flowers told the Manchester Evening News that he had never been interested in politics and did not usually vote.
He said he had “always been a working-class boy” and that he once voted for Labour under Tony Blair - which he now considers a “mistake”.
Now feeling compelled to try to make a change, Flowers announced his Reform candidacy on St George’s Day, wearing an outfit decorated with the St George’s Cross and holding placards stating “Vote Reform” and “Get Starmer Out”.
Flowers accused the current Labour leadership of Oldham Council of wastefully spending money, adding he was motivated to stand after seeing so many people “fed up”, as well as the appeal of the Reform leader Nigel Farage.
Flowers said of Farage: “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.”
“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.”
Flowers added: "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."
Comparing his experience in the Barmy Army to a potential political career, 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."
