John Bates was the last nationally recognised head of the Social Democratic Party of the UK, holding the title of President. He replaced Jack Holmes as President in 2000- who had himself replaced, after a short interregnum, John Cartwright after the then Leader , Dr.David Owen had thought he had wound the Party up.

Bates appears on what limited literature was produced by the Party until 2002; but disappears from then.The SDP continues in what appears to be one branch only, at Bridlington, but it appears that Bates no longer has involvement.