Protestors set up camp outside MP Chris Grayling's house in fight to 'Stop the War on Dads'

One of the leading campaigners Martin Matthews, who is a member of New Fathers 4 Justice, says the camp will regularly be occupied in the run-up to the election.

The 47-year-old believes the government has an agenda to break-up British families, and feels fathers too often come out worse when marriages fall apart.

The campaigner, who lives in Middlemead Road, Bookham, started rallying against the government after fighting a custody battle of his own in a family court.

Mr Matthews made the news in August last year after climbing onto the roof of the Epsom and Ewell MP's home in Ashtead as part of a protest.

The campaigner was later found guilty of criminal damage. 

He said: “The most traumatic thing for any human is having their child taken away.

"Having to go through that whilst also going head-to head with barristers in the legal system makes it all much worse.

"We want to see changes so dads get a better deal.

“Chris Grayling should go, he’s been presiding over all of this for too long and needs to go."

Mr Matthews says roughly 12 people have joined him at the camp since it was set up at 10am on Saturday with motorists giving honks of supports as they drive past.

The campaigner unfurled a banner on the MP's roof last year

Campaigners put up banners at the camp opposite Mr Grayling’s house. Mr Grayling declined to comment on the protest.

Fathers’ rights campaigner James Dennis said the demonstration was only for the weekend but the campaigners plan to return again next month.

On Sunday he said: "Sunday is normally the day of peace but not for Chris Grayling... Honk for justice. We have a lovely fire going to keep warm, and are cooking potatoes to eat."

Later that afternoon New Fathers 4 Justice said by email: "Nearly a police car for each protester as Grayling came home 20 minutes ago.

"He wasn't in a chatty mood, and he didn't look very happy at all. He keeps peeping out of his window hiding behind curtains but is yet to speak to anyone."

The group said that their campaign has been renewed after Mr Matthews was fined for damaging Mr Grayling’s roof.

It said: "The Government shows its contempt for British justice again when even the Justice Secretary thinks that he can accuse someone of criminal damage and then not bother to turn up to court to be questioned regarding about these allegations.

"What a joke and what a waste of public money!"