But His Excellency Freeman nevertheless believes he is the most dedicated candidate running for election to Norwich City Council.

Mr Freeman, whose legal forename is Matthew, is standing as an independent candidate in the Sewell ward by-election being held next month.

While the campaign started out as a joke, the teenager says his attempt at parody has quickly turned into an eye-opening experience.

Mr Freeman with his election forms (Image: His Excellency Freeman) Mr Freeman's campaign includes pledges to demolish Sewell Park Academy and neighbouring homes to create space for American chain restaurant Cracker Barrel, putting tariffs on productions imported into NR3 and declaring Sewell as a sovereign nation.

The Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form student said he only learned of the by-election the day before nominations closed and hurriedly put together an application.

He said: "With Sewell, it was love at first sight. I want to devote my life to it and the people who live there."

Mr Freeman described the nomination process as "nerve-wracking" due to having had his eighteenth birthday just two weeks prior -........

© Eastern Daily Press