Steve Coogan backs Sian Berry to be Brighton Pavilion's next MP

The actor, comedian and screenwriter made the endorsement as he joined Green councillors, party members and volunteers at the Haus on the Hill pub in Brighton this evening.

Mr Coogan, who is best known for creating original characters such as Alan Partridge and for his role as Jimmy Savile in the BBC drama The Reckoning, said Parliament needs a Green MP to “hold Labour accountable”.

He said he believes Labour will win the election with a large majority.

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“That often brings with it hubris and so they need to be challenged and held accountable,” he said.

“Lots of people who are voting Labour will be doing so while holding their nose because, although Labour has won over a lot of new voters, and that’s a good thing in terms of getting the Tories out, it also means that some people might feel that core Labour values are in danger of being left by the wayside in the quest for popularity.

“I’m here in Brighton because the best candidate is Sian.

“We need to elect a Green MP.

“Caroline was an incredible presence in Parliament and helped keep people on their toes and focused on what was important.

"Vote Green, vote Green, vote Green."

Steve Coogan with Green Party members (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

The actor, who lived in Brighton for 20 years, said the Green Party’s values align with his own, including on areas such as the environment and the NHS.

“Sian will be part of an effective opposition," he said.

“If I was a Brighton resident I’d be knocking on doors.

“I used to live here for 20 years so I feel like I do have a geographical loyalty to the area.

“I raised my daughter here."

Ms Berry said she was “thrilled” by the star’s support.

“What an amazing huge star to come and support the campaign,” she said.

“Steve really cares about this stuff.

“It’s a big boost for the whole team and the campaign, everyone is delighted.”

Steve Coogan speaking with Sian Berry (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

The Argus also asked Mr Coogan what he would like to see from the next government.

He said he hoped Labour will be “bolder than their rhetoric”.

“I am delighted the Tories are going to get the thrashing that they wholeheartedly deserve,” he said.

“It’s staggering the level of incompetence.

“They’re like a bunch of schoolchildren.

“In fact a bunch of school children would make a better fist of it.”

Mr Coogan is also involved in a campaign encouraging people to vote tactically in areas where there is a contest between the Conservatives and another party to “get them out”.

Earlier in the day, he joined Liberal Democrat candidates James MacCleary, who is candidate for Lewes, and Alison Bennett, who is standing in Mid Sussex, to promote the campaign.