Tom Gray, a musician and activist, has been chosen as the Labour candidate for the Brighton Pavilion constituency at the next General Election, beating out comedian Eddie Izzard, who came in second place. The seat was previously held by Green MP Caroline Lucas, who will step down once the election takes place. Several trade unions supported Gray’s candidacy, according to the Argus newspaper.
Izzard, who had long campaigned for Labour, had hoped to win the nomination, but did not publicly comment on the decision. She previously attempted to become Labour’s candidate for the Sheffield Central constituency but did not succeed. In an interview with ITV’s Lorraine in March, she expressed her desire to become an MP and use her communication skills to advocate for a fair chance in life for all.
The decision came as Izzard prepares to take on the lead role in an adaptation of Hamlet in New York City next year. She had previously stated that she would campaign via Zoom and phone while in the US, prompting scepticism from some, including former Labour councillor Caroline Penn, who argued that a parliamentary candidate needs to lead from the front.
Izzard, who identifies as gender fluid and uses she/her pronouns, remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and has openly discussed her political ambitions
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