Eddie Izzard: Comedian confirms ambition to become Sheffield Labour MP

Eddie confirmed her aim when she visited the city yesterday (Thursday, August 25) to back Sheffield’s bid to host Eurovision 2023.

She told BBC Radio Sheffield: “I think it would be beautiful if it comes to Sheffield. It’s a city that’s reinvented itself and we have a great cultural heritage. It would be wonderful to have it here.

“It would be such an honour to have it. Sheffield would be the perfect city.”

The stand-up comedy star, writer and actor, who studied accountancy and financial management with mathematics at the University of Sheffield in the 1980s, is a long-time Labour Party and transgender activist.

She was made an honorary Doctor of Letters by the university in July 2006 and has often spoken of her fondness for the city.

Rumours about Eddie’s ambitions to stand for Parliament in the city grew stronger when she canvassed for the May local elections in Walkley and Broomhill.

The star first announced that she wanted to stand as an MP in 2020.

She joined the successful South Yorkshire mayoral candidate Oliver Coppard on the campaign trail, as well as council ward hopefuls.

Eddie also did two shows at The Leadmill, in support of the under-threat venue.

Sheffield Firth Park ward councillor Abtisam Mohamed is also understood to have ambitions to stand for Labour in Sheffield Central, although she has not yet officially announced a campaign.

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