NOTE: This article was published in error. It was based on social media circulation of an interview Daniel Radcliffe gave to the Big Issue in September 2015. It is not known whether he still holds these views. It originally ran with the headline ‘Daniel Radcliffe endorses Jeremy Corbyn for Labour leader’ and was published at 4.55am on 4 September 2016. The original article read as follows:
Daniel Radcliffe has endorsed Jeremy Corbyn for leader of the Labour party, saying the veteran leftwinger’s sincerity won him over.
The Harry Potter star told The Big Issue that Corbyn’s informal style had excited voters and was a welcome departure from scripted politics.
“I think we all suddenly realised that we are so used to politicians lying,” he said. “Even when they are being sincere, it feels so scripted that it is hard to get behind them.” In contrast, Corbyn seemed authentic, he said.
“I feel like this show of sincerity by a man who has been around long enough and stuck to his beliefs long enough that he knows them and doesn’t have to be scripted is what is making people sit up and get excited. It is great.”
Corbyn is fighting a leadership challenge from Owen Smith. He is the overwhelming favourite to retain his position as Labour leader, and a YouGov poll gives him a 24-point lead.
The result of the leadership race is due to be announced the day before the Labour conference at the end of the month.
Radcliffe said the MP for Islington North reminded him of his favourite teacher. “In the only sit-down, casual interview I have seen with Jeremy Corbyn, he talks about his allotment and making jam,” he said. “So he reminds me in the loveliest way of my English teacher, who is someone I am very, very fond of – so he has a fast track to my heart.”
Radcliffe’s endorsement comes after JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter novels, expressed dismay at the prospect of Corbyn’s re-election.
