Labour reject comic in Brighton Pavilions

Eddie Izzard has failed to win a place on the ballot box at the next general election.

The stand-up, also known as Suzy, was rejected by Labour members in Brighton Pavilion and the seat will now be contested by music industry activist Tom Gray.

It is the second time that the 61-year-old has been defeated in her attempts to stand as an MP, failing to get picked in Sheffield Central last year.

Also hoping to fight the Brighton seat were local councillors Birgit Miller and Lucy Helliwell.

After being selected, Mr Gray wrote: 'Delighted and humbled to be selected to be the Labour candidate for Brighton Pavilion. Thanks so much to everyone who helped in the campaign and thanks to Eddie, Lucy and Birgit for showing such solidarity and integrity on the trail.'

Last week Izzard posted on social media: ‘I've lived a life full of extraordinary chapters, but representing Brighton would be the most profound yet. This city's vibrant soul has always inspired me. It would be my honour to be your voice in Parliament.’

She added: ‘From the stages of drama and comedy to the roads of marathons, every step, and every challenge has led me to this moment - the chance to fight for Brighton, a place that's been a beacon of hope and diversity. I’m ready.’

The current Brighton Pavilion MP is former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, who is standing down at the next election. But the Greens lost control of Brighton and Hove City Council to Labour in May’s local elections.

 Izzard – who was brought up in in Bexhill-on-Sea, around 30 miles from Brighton –  is a former member of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee and has previously flirted with a bid to become London mayor.

She heads to New York next month to present a solo version of Hamlet off-Broadway.

Published: 17 Dec 2023