Man, 84, retires as 'King Conker' with 'great sadness' two years after steel conker scandal

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

David Jakins is stepping down after 20 years as King Conker, the honorary mascot of the World Conker Championships, citing arthritis in his knees that has left him struggling to compete. He was cleared of wrongdoing after being found with a steel conker in his pocket following his 2024 title win, but the furore prompted airport-style security checks at the event. His daughter Fee Aylmore, the 2022 women's world champion, will succeed him as Queen Conker, with championships chairman Jim Packer becoming the new King.

Organisers still display Jakins' steel conker in a perspex box at the event as a deterrent against future cheating.

Packer quipped of his new role: 'I now know how King Charlie feels.'

Organisers are asking the public to suggest new mascot names, having already ruled out 'Conkey McConkface' as 'too obvious'.