Bez launches his general election campaign in Salford

Bez from Happy Mondays unveiling his first election campaign poster in Salford, Greater Manchester, where he is standing for the Reality Party in May’s general election. Photograph: Christopher Thomond for The Guardian/Christopher Thomond

Aiming to overturn Labour’s 5,725 majority in May, Bez was giving out “frack free” beer, fresh from visiting an anti-fracking protest near Hull. One of his campaign slogans is: “Shake your maracas if you are against the frackers”.

Bez is standing for the Reality Party, which promises to bring power back to the people. He is a controversial candidate, having been convicted in 2010 of attacking his girlfriend following an argument over money.