Express & Star

Fake Stafford mayor in Twitter trickery is unmasked as Midland comic

The man who is masquerading as the Mayor of Stafford – and even posed in a picture of him 'opening' Alton Towers for its 2014 season – today can be unmasked by the Express & Star.

Published

James Billington, a comedian from Nottingham, is the mastermind of the spoof Twitter account that has fooled residents, politicians and businesses into thinking he is the real Mayor of Stafford.

See also: Bogus Stafford mayor causes Twitter storm

He is listed on The Comedy Club website where his entry reads: "James Billington is another comedian that has decided that a career in comedy is the best way to go. James is quickly making a name for himself."

Friends of Mr Billington also revealed his identity on Twitter – by linking to his real Twitter account. Shelley Draper said: "oh Lordy Lordy, you've caused a stir at the Express & Star & no mistake!"

Meanwhile @rorDRObe added: "My actual human friend @bilge1979 makes onto the @MailOnline by masquerading as the Mayor of Stafford." Mr Billington would appear to have links to Stafford, with pictures of him at Stafford Rangers' Marston Road on his Facebook page. He also talks about performing in the town.

In January he said: "I'm doing two gigs in Staffordshire in one night in February! Bloody two! Double duty! Stafford! Boom! Stone! Ka-boom! I'm bloody excited about this!" The spoof account sparked a storm at Stafford Borough Council with bosses demanding Twitter delete the account after a complaint from Shrewsbury Town Council.

His Twitter following has soared from 150 to more than 390 since the Express & Star reported on the hoax yesterday. The real mayor is Angela Loughran who does not even use Twitter. The joke came to light after the hoax mayor tweeted: "Sharing a meeting with the Mayor of Shrewsbury today. Never liked him. Reminds me of one of the bad guys from Superman 2."

But not only did this provoke a complaint from the council, but also saw a backlash online. Councillor Loughran said: "Nobody minds a bit of fun on social media but it is unacceptable that this person is purporting to be the mayor of Stafford and making disparaging remarks about another mayor."

Alton Towers spokeswoman Liz Greenwood said Mr Billington had not opened the park. The fake mayor told the Express & Star: "Sorry can't talk as busy with mayor duties. Love the E&S by the way :)".

Last night, he added:

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