Jeremy Clarkson for PM...of Sealand (From Thurrock Gazette)

Jeremy Clarkson for PM, says Sealand "prince" Michael Bates

2:30pm Monday 23rd November 2009 in Features

THE idea of Jeremy Clarkson as Prime Minister would send a shiver down many people’s spines, but he could be in line to head a mini state off the Essex coast.

Leigh-on-Sea fisherman Michael Bates is the self-styled Prince of Sealand, a wartime fort that declared independence 40 years ago. He is looking for celebrities to accept honorary titles in return for supporting his principality.

He hopes to recruit Sir Terry Wogan, adventurer and television presenter Ben Fogle, writer and TV producer Danny Wallace, and Canadian radio personality George Stroumboulopoulos, to take on the titles for Sealand, known as “the smallest country on earth”.

In 1967, Michael’s dad, Southend businessman Roy Bates declared himself “monarch” of Sealand, a disused anti-aircraft platform seven miles off the Harwich coast.

Roy identified the former fort as being in international waters and not legally owned by anybody. A year later, the Royal Navy tried to have him removed, but a court ruled Sealand was not part of England or any other nation and he was allowed to remain.

Michael, 57, said: “These titles are for people who have given us support, whether financially, or who have done things for us.

“People like Danny Wallace and Ben Fogle, involved with our exposure.”

Mr Fogle has been to Sealand and written a chapter in his book, Offshore, on it.

Mr Stroumboulopoulos made a programme about it which was broadcast in Canada.

Sir Terry referred to Sealand on the radio.

Despite Michael admitting Mr Clarkson has never, to his knowledge, publicly acknowledged Sealand, he hopes the motoring guru will accept the offer of prime minister.

He said: “Clarkson was put forward to be Prime Minister for England about a year ago and it didn’t go anywhere, so I would like him to be prime minister of Sealand. He is a proper bloke’s bloke.”

Despite attempts to contact Mr Clarkson, via his agent he was not available for comment.

However, Michael added: “George Stroumboulopoulos was pleased to accept the title yesterday, when we announced it.”

Sealand is also offering ordinary people the chance to have individual noble titles of Lord, Lady, Baron and Baroness in recognition of their support of the state.

The title has been dubbed the “Christmas present for the person who has everything.” For more details and prices, go to www.sealandgov.org