Daniel Radcliffe has endorsed Jeremy Corbyn to win the Labour leadership contest on Saturday, saying the left-wing MP reminded him of a favourite teacher from school.
The Horns actor told the Big Issue magazine Corbyn had won him over with an interview where he talked about his allotment and making jam. “He reminds me in the loveliest way of my English teacher," said Radcliffe, “who is someone I am very, very fond of – so he has a fast track to my heart!”
The 26-year-old praised the Corbyn for galvanising young voters and the disenchanted with his sincerity and conviction, describing the effect he has had on Labour party supporters as “incredible”.
“It is just so nice to have people excited about somebody," he said. "It seems to be more or less because they are excited about sincerity. I think we all suddenly realised that we are so used to politicians lying. Even when they are being sincere, it feels so scripted that it is hard to get behind them.”
Labour leadership: The Contenders
Corbyn reluctantly entered the leadership race almost 100 days ago because it was “his turn” and was only nominated by some of his peers to make the process more democratic. But he quickly emerged as the unexpected frontrunner in the race, winning over Labour supporters across the country with his clear and unwavering policies of immigration, austerity, nuclear weapons and a number of other contentious issues.
The extent of his support was demonstrated at a packed homecoming rally for the MP for Islington North on Thursday evening, where he was met with rapturous applause.
Deafening standing ovation for @jeremycorbyn as he appears on stage at final 'thank you rally'.People are going crazy pic.twitter.com/loRRPPEopN
; Matt Dathan (@matt_dathan) September 10, 2015
Corbyn's success came despite accusations of anti-Semitism, racism and blistering criticism from his opposition and even Labour MPs. Corbyn acknowledged some of the attacks he received at the rally, which he said he been “deeply hurtful” to those close to him. However, he asked his supporters not respond, telling the audience: "We don't do that kind of politics.”
