Black Country landlord reacts to Parliament debate on his petition calling for a general electon which was backed by Elon Musk

MPs took to Parliament's Westminster Hall last night (Monday, January 6) to discuss a viral petition calling for a General Election started by Black Country pub landlord Mike Westwood.

Mike, from Gornal, started the call for action after becoming frustrated with the Labour Government, weeks after they were voted,  saying that 'they [Labour Party] have gone back on the promises' that the political party had issued ahead of the May 6 2024 election.

It was backed by more than 3 million signatures and further gained notoriety as it was shared by Elon Musk and Michael Caine on social media. It was also backed by Nigel Farage. 

Now, Mike has spoken to the Express & Star about the debate and the overwhelming support he received - and his surprise at gaining high-profile backers like Elon Musk and Nigel Farage.

"I would be lying if I said I expected anything less," the landlord said following the debate "I'm glad that it was taken as far as it has been, and that it acted as a platform for those who are upset, but I expected no less than a tit for tat."

Mr Westwood, who travelled to London to sit in the debate, started the petition on a whim. He said: "It's obviously not the response we were all after. The most frustrating part was this could have acted as a chance for Labour to apologise for their shortcomings. But it was all denial, 90 per cent of Labour MPs just outright denied everything.

"It was really great that it has gotten as far as it has. I don't believe anyone expected it to go that far. But in the end, it just turned into a tit for tat, which really isn't what we were there for."

What Mike Westwood thought of the Westminster Hall debate about his petition

The debate of a new general election was squashed when MPs refuted the idea, however, many 'found it encouraging' to witness the public's participation in politics. 

Jamie Stone MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee, said "It's always encouraging to witness public participation in politics. 

"Mr Westwood created this petition with a clear and very simple call, he would like there to be another general election on account of the fact that he believes the current labour government has gone back on the promises they made during the lead-up to the last election. 

"I put it very simply, an election can not be called as a result of a petition, it simply can not."

Mr Westwood described the debate as a "blame game". He said he felt that Labour took a defensive stance.

The landlord, who operates three pubs in the Black Country, said that Mr Stone 'did a great job' opening the debate on his behalf and that it was 'encouraging' to hear that so many MPs debated the petition. 

He said: "MP Stone opened the debate on my behalf and to be fair he did a great job. I understand the process of politics, it was really heartening for it to get so much backing. 

"It was great that it got the conversation going and to see that there was so much support. I only wish that I had a chance to have my say, but I understand that it's a debate between MPs."

Farage, Sir Michael and Elon Musk

Among the major backers of the campaign were Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, retired legendary actor Sir Michael Caine, and US billionaire Elon Musk. 

Mr Westwood said that the support of so many high-profile names was 'overwhelming', saying that to see Elon Musk get involved was 'amazing'.

He said: "It was great to see it get so much backing. Nigel Farage was extremely supportive, he attended and sat through the whole process and made some very good points that were taken seriously. 

"I know Elon Musk had a lot to say about it [the petition] over the last three months too and to see him get involved, it was really encouraging.

"I think Farage said the most impacting line, that they all [MP's] need to 'sit and take note'."

Debating the petition, Mr Farage said that he 'wasn't surprised' that a pub landlord came up with the idea as 'the best ideas' come from pubs. He also said that he believed that the people of Clacton (his constituency) not only signed it for an election but to express a sense of 'utter disenchantment' with the political system. 

Mr Farage said: "Generally find the best ideas in life come from pubs, so it's no particular surprise that Michael Westwood is indeed, a publican. 

"Representing Clacton, we were third on the highest number to sign this petition, but I don't think the 8,000 people of Clacton signed this just to get a fresh general election. 

"What they were actually expressing was a sense of utter disenchantment with the entire political system."

What next as Mike Westwood's petition remains open

The petition deadline will remain open until May 20, with Mr Westwood saying that he hopes it will 'continue to gain momentum'. 

Mr Westwood ended: "Hopefully this continues to gain momentum.

"It's amazing to see that people are still signing the petition even after it was debated, but there are still a lot of people out there who share our views who don't realise that this petition is a thing."