The Imperial British Conservative Party was a farcical political party founded by The Wizard of New Zealand in 1974. It "stood for the traditions of British imperialism in the face of capitalism, globalisation and the distinct lack of culture in Christchurch, New Zealand."[1] It was still operating in 1984, though news reports also referred to it as The Wizard Party.[2]
Activity in Australia
The Imperial British Conservative Party also had a presence in Australia, especially during the republican debate of the 1990s. One of its candidates, Cecil G. Murgatroyd, had run for parliament in several Australian federal elections, at each time standing against the Prime Minister (initially Bob Hawke), and in the 1992 Wills by-election after Hawke resigned from parliament.[3] In official statements, Murgatroyd listed his occupation as "dole bludger". At other times, Murgatroyd stood under the banner of another New Zealand joke party, the McGillicuddy Serious Party.
In one Australian election in the 1980s, the party promised to dye the Speaker's wig a conservative blue.
Another candidate, James Ferrari (at one point contesting as Jim Ferrari) ran for the party in the seat of Melbourne at every election from 1980 until 2001.[4]
References
- ↑ "Four parody political parties that have existed in New Zealand". NZ Herald. 15 September 2014. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
- ↑ "Back In The Day: Imperial British Conservative Party". TVNZ. Archived from the original on 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
- ↑ "Cecil Godfrey Murgatroyd" (PDF). Australian Electoral Commission. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ↑ ""An independent who lists his occupation as "wizard" is running for the lower house seat of Melbourne, held by the ALP stalwart, Mr Lindsay Tanner. Mr James Ferrari, of West Melbourne, is an unofficial member of the Imperial British Conservative Party."". The Age.
External links
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