Words by Gareth Allen. Image by Tom Pritchard.

Big news today from TCI Towers as we see the publication of my book Politically Correct.

Regular readers will know that I ran for parliament in this year’s general election, taking on the might of the Westminster establishment – specifically Yvette Cooper, who was my local MP. (I don’t want to spoil the end too much, but she is still my local MP…)

The book follows my adventure in politics as I tried to mount a professional challenge on a shoestring budget. With no party to support me, I called in favours from friends and cobbled together a formidable political campaign. From creating the right image and drawing up a manifesto, to getting involved in my local community, I did everything I could to make myself a credible candidate.

When the election was called, I plunged into full time campaigning – knocking on doors and meeting hundreds of voters, debating the other candidates in set piece Hustings meetings. By the time election night came around, as the rest of the country was left hanging, my own result was definitive. I didn’t become a member of parliament, but I was changed forever by my brush with democracy.

I learned everything there is to know about the arcane details of British electoral law, but I also got a valuable insight into what makes the British public tick. I had a unique view of the election – an outsider on the inside.

I’ve tried to capture that perspective in the book, and I hope you’ll enjoy it.

You can buy a copy at lulu.com.