Eddie Izzard wows at Gloucestershire College rally
Gloucester Citizen – April 27 2010

Marathon-running comedian Eddie Izzard has lent his celebrity backing to Parmjit Dhanda’s bid to be re-elected as Gloucester’s MP.

Sporting a red rosette the 48-year-old Labour supporter was given a rapturous welcome at Gloucestershire College at an outdoor campaign rally that had more the feel of a festival, as excited crowds basked under blue skies in glorious sunshine.

He urged everyone to vote on May 6, but made no secret of which party he was rooting for.

Mr Izzard, wearing a navy jacket, black T-shirt and blue jeans, said: “Get your friends. Go out and use your vote. Obviously I am encouraging you to vote for Parmjit.”

He joked: “Some people might be voting Tory, but you will have to take your own lives.”

 He added: “I believe in fairness. I believe that’s the core value of what Labour tries to do.

“I chose to do this. I am not being wheeled out. I am self-wheeling. I am self-propelled. I volunteered for this.

“This is brilliant weather. I have been trying to take the sunshine around with me. Everytime it goes away, obviously it’s a Tory thing.”

Amid eager anticipation, he had been introduced onto the open air stage by Mr Dhanda, who highlighted Mr Izzard’s achievement in completing 43 marathons in 51 days for charity.

He had also recently fronted a Labour Party political broadcast hailing “Brilliant Britain”, challenging Tory claims of “Broken Britain”.

Mr Dhanda said: “This is a great country, and Gloucester is a great place.”
He also highlighted the importance of securing the backing of Lib Dem voters.
“It does make a huge difference,” he said.

Pointing to investment in the city’s hospital, college, and docks, he said: “I hope next week, come May 6, you will vote Labour.”

Mr Izzard said: “It’s very important in the country and Gloucester to vote Labour.
“I always thought we were a party of fairness. If people aren’t careful they will wake up with a Tory government.”

Pointing to the economic recovery, he said: “If the Tories come in they are going to wreck that.”

Having already indicated he would play a show in the city, he said: “If people vote Labour I will come much quicker.”