Goldie the goldfish is hoping to make a splash in elections

History is set to be created in May's local elections when a fish will attempt to win a seat on Hull City Council.

Goldie the goldfish is going head-to-head with current council leader Carl Minns by standing in his King's Park ward.

It is believed to be the first time a non-human has contested a council seat in the UK.

A spokesman for the Electoral Commission said checks were likely to be made to verify whether the goldfish is British and at least 18 years old – the two main qualifications for candidates standing in local council elections.

He said it was unlikely rules disqualifying would-be candidates who are bankrupt or who have recent prison sentences would apply.

He said: "There is nothing in the rules to say a fish can stand for election, then again there is nothing in the rules to prevent one from standing either."

The idea is the brainchild of Goldie's owner, German-born Rolf Laipo, who is studying politics at the University Of Hull.

He said: "A few years ago there was an election back home in Bavaria when a horse was put forward as a candidate for the local parliament as part of a company advertising campaign.

"It was great fun and everyone enjoyed it, even though the horse only came third.

"I thought I would do the same thing here and include the project in my final year degree course dissertation."

He said a visit to The Deep provided the inspiration he needed to find a suitable candidate.

"I went to a pet shop the next day and bought Goldie.

"He's looking forward to the contest."

Goldie's nomination papers – signed by the required ten electors after a visit to Kingswood Retail Park earlier this week – are due to be handed in to council officials before Monday's noon deadline.

Election candidates are usually required to sign a consent form, but Guildhall staff have agreed to make a special exception in Goldie's case by agreeing to accept a photograph instead.

Mr Laipo, who will act as his election agent, said Goldie's campaign will include a call for the lifting of a long- standing ban of goldfish being offered as prizes at Hull Fair and regular clean-ups of the ponds in Queens Gardens.

"We are hoping to make a bit of splash," he said.

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503342/s/13cee6cd/l/0L0Sthisishullandeastriding0O0Cnews0CGoldie0Egoldfish0Ehoping0Emake0Esplash0Eelections0Carticle0E33975710Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

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