A running club is thought to be the first in history to have four current and former members standing as candidates in a UK General Election.

Professor Andrew Knight, Vanessa Hudson, Jon Homan and Guy Dessoy met as members of Vegan Runners UK, a running club aimed at those following a plant-based lifestyle, which has around 230 members across the UK.

The four are now standing as candidates for the Animal Welfare Party in Thursday’s General Election. Professor Knight will contest the seat of Kensington while Vanessa Hudson is the party’s candidate for Holborn and St. Pancras, Jon Homan the candidate for Hackney North and Guy Dessoy the candidate for Putney.

“We think it very important to demonstrate that those following a plant-based lifestyle can be just as healthy and fit as anyone else” said Vanessa Hudson, Party Leader and candidate for Holborn and St. Pancras who also has two marathons under her belt. “Although I’d never considered standing for election when I joined the club, I think distance running teaches you that you can do almost anything you put your mind to. Running is also a great stress relief and can help clear the head – something very useful when campaigning.“

Pictured left to right, Jon Homan, Professor Andrew Knight, Vanessa Hudson and Guy Dessoy former running club members who are now running for office in Thursday’s General Election.

Photos courtesy Roger Blagg.