Candidate left feeling he’s a bit of a Muppet as Elmo gets fewest votes

A man dressed as a Sesame Street character and a candidate seeking to curb “mind control” for political purposes were among those to receive the fewest votes at the polling booth.

To make the ballot paper, candidates must receive 10 nominations from constituents and pay £500, a deposit which is not returned if they fail to reach 5 per cent of the vote.

Bobby Smith (Independent) won three votes. Mr Smith, dressed as Sesame Street character Elmo, stood against Theresa May. He brought in what is thought to be the second lowest amount of votes ever.

It marked a significant slide from his performance in the 2015 general election, when the fathers’ rights activist stood against David Cameron in Witney, pulling in 37 votes.

Catherine Taylor-dawson from the Vote For Yourself Rainbow Dream Ticket party still holds the title for the fewest votes when she received two in the Cardiff North constituency in 2005.

Andresmendozaofcommunist League won seven votes, standing against Jeremy Corbyn in Islington North.