The Pub Landlord is briefly calling ‘time’ for a real-life bitter battle of the political kind, writes Katherine MacAlister

As part of the Guvnor’s 20th year, multi-award-winning Al Murray, the Pub Landlord, has extended his tour of the UK and is coming to Oxford.

Meanwhile, the Pub Landlord, has announced he will take on Nigel Farage in the Kent seat of South Thanet at May’s General Election having announced his plans to stand for his newly formed Free United Kingdom party, or FUKP.

To celebrate, The Guide has managed to secure an exclusive interview with the famous comedian’s alter ego. In a rare interview, we question the infamous landlord about his new role as he embarks on his one-man mission as the King Cnut of Common Sense, to hold back a tide of bottled beer and ninny state nonsense.

Why did you decide to leave the bar to stand as an MP? We thought you distrusted them all?

Because destiny called. It’s time for someone to wave a pint around offering Common Sense solutions, the country is ready. If you want something done do it yourself. And the expenses scandal made it clear what kind of action I might be missing out on.

What’s wrong with UKIP? I thought you shared similar views on the French?

What is clear to me is that their leader, Monsieur Farage, is a French sleeper agent. An unstable UK is good for France. Stands to reason. Have you ever seen him speak French? No. Of course not, it would blow his cover.

Pub Landlord for Prime Minister has a certain ring to it. Number 10 next?

It seems that might work. If I do get elected I plan to go to the Palace and say to Her Majesty “sack these Muppets, leave it with me”.

What would you say to Farage if he came in for a pint?

“Do you want nuts with that?”

Cameron drinks in our local. Friend or foe?

I’m running against the Tories as much as anyone else. Do we really want another headless chicken coalition?

Would you serve a bacon butty to Ed Milliband?

Yes and I’d serve it with clear easy to read instructions on how to eat it.

Top policies, home and away?

1p a pint, 1p a glass of white wine/fruit based drink for the lady. Electrify the English Channel. Put Boris on an island like he seems to want.

What do you think of Oxford and its pubs and its beers?

Oxford is one of the greatest drinking metropolises in the world. Pubs of every kind, thirsty people of every age, creed and colour, and students.

Where do you stand on the micro brewery revolution?

They sound a bit small, that’s the only thing. For many years people have been perfectly happy with factory mass-produced chemical tasting lagers – why would anyone want to change that?

Are you a real ale enthusiast?

My philosophy on ale is this: It’s all real.

What do you think about gastro pubs?

The gastro pub gang are at least trying to do their bit to save the pub. Pubs are in dire peril and the truth is if you don’t use it you will lose it. So the gastro gang are on the frontline, trying to save the pub. I’m not sure about their choice of weapons – pheasants, hummus, flatbread, kale – but you can’t fault them for trying.

Will you be visiting the Bullingdon Club for a few swift ones when you come to Oxford?

God no. I can’t afford the mortgage needed for one of those suits. Also, the last thing I need is a picture of me in that garb if I get into government.

Did you do dry January?

Are you kidding? That’s fighting talk.

Al Murray, the Pub Lanldord, is bringing his brand new show, One Man, One Guvnor – 20 years at the lager top – to the New Theatre on Monday March 9. Call the box office on 0844 871 3020 or see atgtickets.com/oxford