Comic wants to be Labour candidate in Caroline Lucas's seat

Eddie Izzard is hoping to stand as for election as a Labour MP in Brighton.

The comedian – who previously failed to secure the nomination to run in Sheffield – wants to run in Brighton Pavilion, currently held by Green MP Caroline Lucas, who is is standing down at the next election.

Izzard, who also goes by the name Suzie, would be Labour's first transgender MP if elected. Last year, Jamie Wallis, the Tory MP for Bridgend, came out  as UK’s first openly transgender MP after receiving blackmail threats.

Izzard, 61, who grew up in Bexhill,  30 miles from Brighton, said: ‘I’m standing to be the next Labour MP for Brighton Pavilion, to support this brilliant city and its diverse and vibrant community. I’m just the latest in over 200 years of Izzards in East Sussex and I’m proud of my roots.

‘Whilst the Tories stoke fear and encourage culture wars, Brighton has shown the country another way – open-minded and welcoming to all, with a thriving arts, creative and cultural scene. Imaginative, energetic and full of entrepreneurial spirit.

‘But for 13 years the Tories have tried to drag us down. Police numbers, cut. Fewer dentists, doctors and nurses. A rail network grinding to a halt, and sewage dumping into the sea. Hiking the cost of everything and holding Brighton back. And we all saw what happened under the Green Council — house building stalled while rubbish piled high in the streets.

‘It will take practical action – not protest – to fix what’s broken, and to win this seat, Labour needs a candidate that can inspire many thousands to become our friends and allies in the fight for a fairer-greener-cleaner planet.

‘Reaching out and lifting people up, is at the heart of my politics. I believe in making connections – not breaking connections. So please join me — get in touch, get involved and let’s make Brighton Pavillion Labour again.’

The seat was Labour from 1997 until Lucas’s victory in 2010, and previously Tory since the constituency was established in 1997.

It is not yet known when the local Labour Party will start their procedure for selecting candidates for the next election.

Izzard posted a campaign video on Twitter/X this morning, pointing out that she has campaigned in 125 constituencies for Labour:

Brighton Pavilion! I am very excited to announce that I'm standing to be your next Labour MP. If you want me to be your champion for equality, sustainability and opportunity for all, vote for me!

Get in touch, get involved https://t.co/aVjaLLga9L pic.twitter.com/IGPFP473QH

— Eddie Izzard for Brighton Pavilion (@EddieIzzardLab) August 4, 2023

Published: 4 Aug 2023