Ex-Python 'to stand as US mayor'

John Cleese is planning to run for mayor of Santa Barbara.

The comic's Python colleague, Michael Palin, revealed that Cleese is considering following in the footsteps of Arnold Schwazenegger, Clint Eastwood and Ronald Reagan in making the transition from screen to public office.

Palin told the Daily Telegraph: "John has decided he doesn't really want to do comedy any more. He has a very active and inquiring mind.

"He's very involved with the local community there. He says that he might be running for mayor, and I think he'd do a great job."

Cleese, who moved to the Californian town in the Nineties, was active in the Liberal Democrats while he lived in Britain, and presented a party political broadcast on their behalf.

Published: 6 Dec 2003