Cecil G. Murgatroyd (1958-2001) was a long-running satirical political candidate in Australia and New Zealand and held citizenship in both. He also ran for parliament in both countries, often running against the Prime Minister of the time (a seat traditionally popular with protest party and joke party candidates). At various times he has run under the banner of the McGillicuddy Serious Party and the Imperial British Conservative Party.

Murgatroyd's platforms were typically absurdistic and of a pataphysical nature, though a common theme was a return to archaic institutions or forms of society. During the republican debate, he ran on a platform of restoring the British Empire. During the republic referendum, he advocated adopting Princess Anne, a member of the British royal family, as Australia's own resident monarch (a concept known as cadet monarchy, which existed in the Empire of Brazil in the 19th century). Subsequently, he ran on a pseudo-religious "Holy Prophet" platform for the Senate.

Murgatroyd's campaign in Australia against Bob Hawke, and his political activity in New Zealand with the McGillicuddy Serious Party, are mentioned in the book How To Make Trouble And Influence People.

He was a gifted musician, and formed 'The Other Wankers' in 1988; a band that promoted masturbation as the only really safe sex. He was also a member of New Zealand's Big Muffin Serious Band, a band including several other members of the McGillicuddy Serious Party.

A biography, 'The Life and Times of Cecil G Murgatroyd' was published in 2003 by Spit the Dummy Press.

[edit] External links

• Murgatroyd's web site

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