Doncaster mayoral candidate who was Pride drag queen joins Reform UK

Michael Felse, who stood as an independent candidate at the 2009 Doncaster mayoral election, has called on Nigel Farage to make Doncaster Reform’s northern headquarters.

He has previously called on Mr Farage to stand as an MP in Doncaster and to make it “the capital of Brexit.”

Mr Felse, who also stood for the English Democrats in Dewsbury at the 2010 General Election, was chosedn to lead the 2011 Manchester Pride festival.

He fronted the event as his alter ego Ethol Mary, who he described as "more like a Grimsby docker than Lady Gaga."

Although he was brought up and lived in Rossington, Mr Felse later moved to Manchester, working on community projects for the gay, lesbian and bisexual community.

Back in 2011 he said: "It's considered to be an honour to be the Pride Queen and for some strange reason this year it is going to be me."

He said he was "dared" to enter the race to become the Parade Queen for Manchester Pride, leading more than a hundred floats through the city centre.

Mr Felse said his family was unaware of what he was planning and said: "I've had little time to go back and see my family in Doncaster. They don't know about this.

"I wonder if they'll see this and see Uncle Michael as 'Ethol', but I don't think they'll be surprised."

He denied that it made "politics look silly".

"I don't think I'll be taken as a joke. It's really important that we don't suddenly think that everyone fits in one box, everybody is different but it is how do we engage those choices.

"I think it isn't making politics silly, it's saying, no, let's have a bit of fun."

He added: "It really does help the bridges across the country.

"There are a lot of young people who have suffered from homophobia and hate crimes.

"We have a lot of things to tackle. We have to change the way society works. You have to build trust and respect."

On joining Reform and calling for the party to make Doncaster its northern headquarters, he said: “Amazing new opportunities are achievable in Reform setting up camp at Robin Hood Airport – spearheading Northern England’s big Investment and planning the airport to be the best location for private aircraft creating a fantastic new major hub of flight excellence.

In 2022, he called on Mr Farage to contest the Doncaster Central seat – and wanted Doncaster Sheffield Airport to be renamed after Covid charity pioneer, Captain Sir Tom Moore.

"Doncaster as Brexit City of the North will boost air traffic to see Captain Tom Airport, flying the flag right across the globe,” he said.

Mr Felse also backed a previous campaign to get him to stand in Doncaster in 2017.

Nine years ago, Mr Felse said: "I urge Doncaster to formerly invite Nigel to stand in Doncaster. It deserves to be the Capital of Brexit. Nigel for Doncaster I say - I know Doncaster will give Nigel it's very best."

The 2009 Doncaster mayoral election was won by Peter Davies, for the English Democrats, with Mr Felse finishing in last place.