Bizarre 'Zorro-style mask' video of Manchester councillor makes flagship BBC comedy show appearance

A bizarre video featuring Manchester councillors donning Zorro-style masks has made an appearance on a flagship BBC comedy programme.

The video, posted by veteran Harpurhey representative Pat Karney, warned voters to take photo ID with them to polling stations ahead of last week’s local elections. This year’s election was the first to require the electorate to prove their identity.

Coun Karney spent the weeks leading up to polling day publicising the new requirement, in-person and on social media. His video, which also featured fellow Harpurhey councillors Joanne Green and Sandra Collins, saw the trio don the masks to warn residents of the change.

READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community

In the video, Coun Karney said: "Hello everybody in Harpurhey and Collyhurst. Next week on polling day, you will need facial ID to get your vote. If you haven't got that they won't allow you to vote."

Coun Joanne Green then continues, saying: "So make sure you've got a plan as to which facial ID that you are going to take with you."

Then Coun Sandra Collins adds: "This is a government regulation and we don't agree." Coun Karney then signs off, saying: "So get the message, Harpurhey and Collyhurst. Thank you."

A clip of the video made an appearance on Have I Got News For You on Friday, May 5. After seeing the clip, panellist Paul Merson joked that it was the ‘am dram version of Marvel superheroes’.

He added: “It doesn’t say anything about the charisma of those three people, but my eye was constantly drawn to the plastic bag on the floor.”

The video did raise a serious discussion of the new law, however, with opposition team captain and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop pointing out: “They’re trying to get people