News / Bristol
‘What are you doing on my doorstep?’
Eddie Izzard cut a glamorous figure on the doorstep of an unsuspecting Labour supporter in Montpelier.
Striding the streets in his high heels and a fitted black ensemble, the comedian was out to drum up support for the party alongside Thangam Debbonaire, who is fighting to keep her hotly contested Bristol West seat in the General Election on June 8.
He certainly won over one resident, Matthew Parr, who was left shaking in the star’s presence after his initial incredulous reaction of: “What are you doing on my doorstep?”
is needed now More than ever
Surrounded by supporters, first time canvassers for the party and those just after a quick selfie, Izzard drifted effortlessly through tables of diners in The Bristolian on Picton Street on a sunny Wednesday lunchtime as he urged people to get out and vote.
“We are going to fight this fight,” said the long-term Labour campaigner and multi-marathon runner.
“This election was put upon us. Theresa May said nine times that it would not happen and she changed her mind. We have our battle bus and it’s for the many not the few. They have a helicopter for the few.
“People fought in the Second World War for democracy. People say it does not change anything but it definitely does not change anything if we do not get out and vote.
“I know it’s difficult, people are trying to look for a vision for the future but I’m trying to live a vision for the future.”
Eddie Izzard, Thangam Debbonaire and Labour canvassers in Montpelier
When asked if he is concerned about a split left vote, especially in Debbonaire’s Bristol West constituency, which the Green party in particular are vying for, Izzard said he would encourage progressive people to vote for Labour.
“If we split off and let them get in it’s not a positive thing for people on the left,” he said.
Izzard’s visit came as Molly Sott Cato, the Green’s candidate in Bristol West, put clear water between the Green Party and Labour on the NHS.
Scott Cato said: “Only the Green Party is offering a bold and effective solution to the NHS funding crisis. We must finally put an end to the pain of privatisation that has been inflicted by Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories.
“The Green Party is the only party that never has and never will collude in the dismantling and selling off of our beloved NHS. Instead, we will give the NHS the funding it needs to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
Izzard and Debboniare canvassing on Picton Street
cin Montpelier, Debbonaire admitted she could not afford to take anything for granted in the swing seat as she canvassed for support and told potential voters she is the progressive MP they are after.
One question hanging heavily in the air was whether the MP, who has publicly criticised Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, would welcome him becoming prime minister.
Both Debbonaire and Izzard firmly stated they would much rather a Corbyn government than a Tory one.
And as for Montpelier resident Matthew Parr? He told Bristol24/7 that he was just glad he went home for a cold beer in the sun when he did as it’s not every day you have Eddie Izzard knocking at your door. He added that Labour can be assured of his vote.
Read more: Free beer for student voters in Bristol
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