In 1999, the OMRLP had to select a new leader following the death of the party's founder, Screaming Lord Sutch. Alan "Howling Laud" Hope (who was then the party's chairman and deputy leader) and Cat Mandu were the only two candidates in the party leadership election. The vote was a tie, with Hope and Cat Mandu receiving 125 votes each. Hope, as the party chairman, had the casting vote, and decided that he and Cat Mandu should serve as joint leaders. Cat Mandu served in this role until his death as a result of a traffic accident in July 2002. Hope then became the party's sole leader.