EDDIE Izzard has spoken out following their failure to be selected as the Labour candidate for Brighton Pavilion.
Izzard, who prefers to be known as Suzy and uses the pronouns she/her, finished second in the selection process to former musician Tom Gray, who will be hoping to replace Green MP Caroline Lucas, who is standing down at the next General Election.
In a statement, Eddie/Suzy who has seen their second bid to be selected as a Labour candidate thwarted, thanked their supporters and spoke about the transphobic abuse they underwent during the campaign.
Izzard said on their website: “I wish to congratulate Tom Gray on his selection and hope he becomes the MP for Brighton Pavilion. Brighton, with its vibrant community and progressive values, holds a special place in my heart.
“Having grown up in East Sussex and collaborated with Brighton businesses for over 27 years, my connection to this city remains strong.
“I want to thank my supporters, endorsers, and campaigners who stood by me with unwavering belief and courage.
“However, the level of transphobic abuse during this campaign has been deeply troubling, in particular the targeting of those who dared to stand with me.
“They faced relentless online abuse and hostility, yet their commitment to what’s best for Brighton Pavilion and my vision for what we could achieve in overturning a 20,000 Green majority never wavered.
“Their bravery exemplifies the true spirit of Brighton – a community founded on inclusivity, equality, progressiveness, and democracy.
“Labour should always stand to confront and call out discrimination wherever it lies. At times this felt less like a selection contest and more like a referendum on trans people.
“If we saw racism, homophobia, anti-semitism or misogyny directed towards any campaign on the same scale that transphobia was directed towards our campaign, we should rightly have expected it to be called out immediately.
“We must guard against the view that when it comes to trans people, any abuse goes.
“This experience strengthens my resolve to help change our country towards a more tolerant and respectful nation.
“It’s time to end the Tory culture wars and stop people being demonised and dehumanised in order to score political points and protect the status quo.
“To the people of Brighton: your support has been my strength. Despite this setback, my love and commitment to you and our shared ideals remain steadfast.
“Together, let’s continue to fight for a world where everyone has the right to a fair chance in life.
“With heartfelt thanks and an enduring love for Brighton.”
The acclaimed comedian, actor and writer has yet to declare what their future political intentions are.
Many have called for Izzard to stand as a Labour candidate in his hometown of Bexhill. But, as yet there has been no sign of whether they will do so.
The selection of the Labour candidate to contest the Bexhill and Battle constituency will take place in late January.
Rother District Council deputy leader Christine Bayliss has already declared her intention to put her name forward, as exclusively revealed to Bexhill News.
