Aspiring Labour MP Eddie Izzard Cites Zelensky as Inspiration

Comedian Eddie Izzard has renewed her pledge to stand as a Labour MP at the next UK general election, citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as an inspiration.

Speaking to Clive Anderson in a recent episode of My Seven Wonders, Izzard recounted her political journey – from stand-up comic, to LGBTQ+ activist, to supporting the Labour party at various levels and elections. Talking about becoming an MP, she says it's just a matter of waiting for the right seat to become available. “I will try very hard to get there and I hope the people of the constituency will elect me. I am very serious about it – I have said it since 2010, quite categorically.”

Some have raised concerns about how the campaign may be fought in an increasingly-hostile environment for trans and gender nonconforming people. Izzard, who is genderfluid, may face significant abuse. People point to the 1997 election when openly-gay Ben Bradshaw, a Labour MP, came up against the religious right-wing and faced homophobic abuse during his campaign. Bradshaw went on, however, to win a landslide majority.

When Anderson responded to Izzard, suggesting that the public may be tired of comedians in politics, Izzard fired back immediately by pointing to Zelensky. The Ukrainian President – who began his career as a comedian and actor – has been leading his country through the Russian invasion which began in February.

Izzard is expected to apply to become the candidate for Sheffield Central after the sitting MP stands down at the next election, although it is expected that competition will be fierce. In her own words, her reason is simply that politics needs more moderates, and she would like to be one of them.

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