Sutherland-based artist is list candidate for Scottish Family Party in Holyrood election
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AN artist with a colourful back story is standing as a Scottish Family Party regional list candidate for the Highlands and Islands in the May Holyrood election.
German-born Philipp Tanzer is running alongside fellow list candidate Michael Willis, who is party chairman.
The right-wing Scottish Family Party was established in 2017 by former UKIP candidate Richard Lucas, who remains its leader.
The party is neutral on matter such as Scottish independence and mainly focuses on campaigning against what it calls “identity politics” –LGBT sex education and trans rights.
Well known in Sutherland for organising a popular annual Halloween extravaganza – which did not take place in 2020 because of Covid-19 – Mr Tanzer moved to the area nine years ago.
His arrival caused some controversy after an article about his past in the gay porn industry was run by a national Sunday newspaper.
Mr Tanzer said: “I expected hostility and prejudice from the locals. But after coming to know me and my character, the people of the Highlands treated me with respect and trust. For me, it’s time to give something back.”
He has supported the Scottish Family Party for almost three years and says it represents his conservative views on marriage, abortion, education and Western values.
He said: “Controversial topics like porn and transgenderism are now taught in school. The police, who should be politically neutral, wear LGBT rainbow flags and take the knee for Black Lives Matter, and new laws restrict our rights to express our opinions.
“The government should focus on the economy, solid education, communities and families, not virtue-signalling nonsense. This is a dangerous direction and I am proud to represent those who share this view.”
Party founder Richard Lucas said candidates were being fielded in every region in Scotland along with a handful of constituencies – although none in the Highlands.
He said:”We will have at least 32 list candidates all together and it is the first time we’ve stood in a Scottish election."
Mr Lucas added: “Philipp has had a fascinating and colourful personal journey that has led him to his current beliefs and values and we’re delighted to have him on board with the Scottish Family Party.
“In a parliament dominated by identikit politicians lacking personal distinctiveness, he would be a breath of fresh air.”
The election is scheduled to take place on May 6.
