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Eddie Izzard loses, yet again

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Oh dear. Labour’s biggest loser has done it again. Poor old Eddie Izzard has a pretty poor track record when it comes to backing political campaigns. Among the comedian’s greatest hits include Yes2AV, backing Gordon Brown, Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn in successive general elections, endorsing the Euro and Remain in 2016 and bidding to end restrictions on Westminster street performers.

Such a track record has not discouraged Izzard. On the contrary, the longtime luvvie has recently begun to branch out from national campaigns to standing for high office himself. Thus far, this has included failed tilts for Labour’s National Executive Council and the party’s Sheffield Central selection. And today Izzard made it a perfect hat-trick by finishing second in the race to be Labour’s candidate for Brighton Pavilion behind music industry activist Tom Gray.

Izzard’s defeat in one of the country’s most southern seaside towns shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. He told local activists a fortnight ago that he’d make Brighton his ‘main home’ but only if they selected him, having declared earlier this year that he’d ‘rather be up north’ and wanted to ‘fight for the north.’

Now he has the chance to do just that…

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Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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