A GROUP of fathers who feel they’ve had a raw deal in the family court are hoping to put up a candidate in Taunton Deane in May’s General Election.

An unnamed member of New Fathers 4 Justice (NF4J) has said he is willing to contest the seat so long as supporters cobble together the £500 deposit needed to register his nomination.

But if he raises the cash by the April 9 deadline he is not expecting to be elected as MP for the constituency.

NF4J spokesman Pete Moore said: “Winning isn’t the point really – we’re more interested in getting our message across than getting an MP.

“We’re protesting against the bias towards fathers in the family court system. When it comes to children, mothers always seem to be given preference by the courts.”

Mr Moore said a quarter of the £500 fee has already been raised and the group is hoping to raise the rest through a ‘crowd-funding’ appeal on the internet.

“We haven’t got a problem getting the 50 signatures needed to support the nomination and we’re confident we’ll raise the £500,” said Mr Moore.

“We have a person in mind who’s willing to stand, but we can’t reveal his name at this stage.

“NF4J are attempting to put up four or five candidates across the country.

“We’ve chosen Taunton Deane because it’s one of the key marginals where I think we have a great opportunity to get our message across.

“Lots of senior MPs are planning to visit and have already done so. It’s a place that’s getting lots of attention, which suits us fine.”

The group are reluctant to discuss their action plan running up to polling day on Thursday, May 7, although they say they will carry out “peaceful demonstrations” on a Superhero theme.

“We’re not saying too much at the moment, but we’re going to inject a sense of humour into it,” said Mr Moore.

“There are lots of fathers in this area who feel they’ve had a bad deal from the courts and that’s want we want to focus on.”

*Candidates who have already declared they are standing in the poll are Laura Bailhache (UKIP); Rachel Gilmour (LibDem); Neil Guild (Labour); Clive Martin (Green Party); Rebecca Pow (Conservative); and Mike Rigby (Independent).

Sitting MP Jeremy Browne (LibDem) is standing down after two terms in Parliament.