Man told he can't stand as Santa in election because voters would be 'confused'

A man has slammed his ‘killjoy’ council for refusing to allow him to stand in the general election as Santa Claus.

Dave Yates, 58, has been told he can’t campaign as Father Christmas in the Newbury constituency because it would ‘confuse and mislead voters’.

He called staff at West Berkshire Council ‘Grinches’ and said that as he looks so much like Santa – with white hair and beard – it would not be confusing.

Council chief executive Nick Carter confirmed to him that ‘Santa Claus’ would not be on the ballot paper in the 12 December election.

Dave, who gained 300 votes while standing as himself for the Apolitical Party in 2017, is contesting the decision.

If successful, it could force a by-election in Newbury in February.

He said: ‘Santa was hoping to stand in this election on a message of peace and goodwill to all.’

Dave added ‘more importantly’ he wanted to warn voters to be aware when choosing their next MP of a ‘huge spike in borrowing to pay for all the “giveaways”
being promised’ and ‘the possible catastrophic effect it could have on our grandchildren’.

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A spokesperson for the council said: ‘Yes, David Yates did seek to stand as Santa Claus.

‘Candidates can use a name that they are commonly known by which is usually an abbreviation of their full name, eg Tom.

‘As Mr Yates is not commonly known as Santa Claus, it was deemed to be both confusing and misleading.

‘Judgements need to be made when considering all nominations and decisions taken as to whether the use of the particular name would confuse or mislead the electors within the constituency.’

Heating engineer Dave said he dresses as Father Christmas at various festive events so hopes enough people will support his appeal.

He said: ‘I first stood in a general election in 2010. I had formed my own party – Apolitical Democrats – trying to get away from the dogma of party politics, which was driving me mad.

‘I’m just trying to make a statement that we need to get away from from party politics as we have known it for the last 50 years or so.’

Dave added: ‘The fact that it was a Christmas election was just too good of an opportunity to be missed – I had already been growing the beard.

‘Lord Buckethead and Count Binface are allowed to stand, so why not Santa Claus?’

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