Sutton-in-Ashfield man dropped as shopping centre Santa; centre denies Union Jack link

Mixed · 2Simon Brocklehurst, 42, known locally as the Sutton-in-Ashfield or "Sutton" Santa, says he has been told he can no longer volunteer as Father Christmas at Idlewells Shopping Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. 1 2 Mixed · 2He says he is "gutted". He had played the role for four years, unpaid, and says he buys the presents himself, having just spent about £1,500 on a giant inflatable snow globe and a model village. 1 2 Mixed · 2According to the Mirror, he was told last week, when he popped in for a hot drink. He says he is fully DBS-checked and has raised money for local charities, and that the centre had previously said he could do it again. 1 2

Mixed · 2Mr Brocklehurst first painted a St George's Cross on his house after his England flag was pulled down, then added blue to make it a Union Jack. He says he did it to represent the freedom his grandfather fought for in the Second World War. 1 2 Right · 1He told GB News that the person who took the flag ran down the street shouting "racist", and that most people in Sutton like the painted house. He says he has had abuse online, describing himself as "public enemy number one", but calls the abusers "keyboard warriors". 2 Left · 1The Mirror reports he feels his removal is down to how his home looks. 1

Mixed · 2Centre manager Jason Truscott said the decision "has nothing whatsoever to do with the Union Jack displayed" on the property. He said the centre is under new management and is reviewing its activities, including its Christmas programme. He said its priority is a "welcoming, inclusive and neutral environment for everyone", and thanked Mr Brocklehurst for his four years of contributions. 1 2 Left · 1The Mirror adds context: Mr Brocklehurst hoped his house would become a landmark of 'Operation Raise the Colours', a campaign that saw flags tied to lampposts, bridges and roundabouts across the UK. Hope Not Hate claimed Tommy Robinson and ex-English Defence League members spearheaded it, while Mr Brocklehurst has insisted his decorating "has nothing to do with racism". 1 Right · 1GB News adds that he vowed to challenge any order from the council to take the display down. It does not say whether such an order has been issued. 2