Big Brother contestant Mikey Hughes launches Glasgow East campaign

Published on Thursday 15 October 2009 16:17

EX-BIG BROTHER contestant Mikey Hughes today became the latest celebrity figure to enter the running for the Glasgow North East by-election.

The 35-year-old blind radio presenter launched his campaign today by arriving in a removal van with a model dressed as a cleaner in

a stunt he says was inspired by the MP's expenses scandal.

Both wore a leopard print rosette with the words "Mikey for MP".

The election hopeful will be joined in the running by Glasgow Airport hero John Smeaton who is standing as an independent backed by political group the Jury Team.

He said: "There's certainly been a lot of bad feeling in the constituency about expenses. But it's a big, big challenge.

"I'm a straight talker. I spoke my mind last year on Big Brother and I will do so again for the people of Springburn."

He said tackling crime in the area and representing those with disabilities, impairments and health problems were also areas he wanted to focus on.

Mr Hughes said: "I'm quite opposed to schools closing and empty shops in Springburn High Street. I'm very pro NHS and in general opposed to cutbacks on public services.

"Also if people want a referendum on Scottish independence why not give it to them? I'm not one way or the other on the issue. I'm keeping my mind open."

Mr Hughes said he would also call for harsher sentences for people who are cruel to animals.

Asked whether he thought being on Big Brother had given him an advantage over the other candidates, he said: "Without an absolute shadow of a doubt. Everybody knows my name. They want to come up and chat."

Asked whether it was a publicity stunt the Insight Radio presenter said: "It's no way a publicity stunt. I have been wanting to do this well before the Springburn by-election came up."

He also said he wanted to introduce a "Big Brother" element to MPs' second homes in Westminster.

"After your four years you give up the house. It's state-owned," he said.

The presenter will not be allowed on air from October 20 to allow for a fair election, Mr Hughes added.

He was Big Brother runner-up in 2008.