Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Eddie Izzard declares ambition to become Labour Party politician after supporting Jeremy Corbyn

Comedian says he wants to give the world 'a fair chance'

Christiana Bishop
Sunday 21 May 2017 00:32 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Eddie Izzard has again declared his intention to become a Labour politician after speaking out in support of Jeremy Corbyn.

The 55-year-old comedian voiced his vision of politics that would “get the whole world of seven billion people all having a fair chance”.

Izzard, who is releasing a new memoir, Believe Me: A Memoir Of Love, Death And Jazz Chickens, told The Times Magazine: “I don't really want to do the politics, but I think I have certain attributes.

“You have to be able to distil what are the essences of things that are going on, to see a positive vision forward.

“A lot of people with decent values will not go into politics because they feel they are going to get pummelled. I am proud of my country, but I want to reach out to other countries.”

He added: “I like Jeremy Corbyn. He believes in what he says.

“I would much rather have a Labour Party government than a Conservative one led by Theresa May.”

Izzard, who identifies as transgender, stated that he would be campaigning for Labour in “boy and girl mode”.

Speaking on the change of political understanding of transgender issues, he said: “I do feel we have crossed into a place of more political acceptance.

“It's allowed now. I have boy genetics and girl genetics.

“That's what I'm pushing for. I think I've got through the net now.”

Izzard, who campaigned for Remain in the EU referendum, has donated thousands of pounds to the Labour Party and has floated the idea of running as London mayor.

He has previously announced his intention to enter politics but failed to be elected to Labour's National Executive Committee last year.

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in