LABOUR’s campaign to win the marginal South Swindon seat at the election stepped up today when comedian Eddie Izzard came to town to launch their campaign.

Known for selling out stadiums across the globe, as well as his charity marathons, the 53-year-old was in town to fire up Labour supporters ahead of next month’s vote.

Polls have put the Conservative incumbent Robert Buckland running neck and neck with Labour’s Anne Snelgrove.

Eddie, who has said he will run for election in five years time, is touring the country on behalf of Labour.

He said: “I have not been asked to come down by the Labour Party, I am self-propelled. To be in Swindon is fantastic.

“I loved playing Swindon over the years. I haven’t played here for a while since I started to play arenas which is sad but it’s great to be back. The weather is good and it’s nice to get out campaigning. I do like getting out around the UK, many of which I’ve run through.”

The comedian and actor urged people to vote for Anne on May 7, saying Labour would stand up for the working people.

“The working families in South Swindon, if you want to get a fairer deal then vote for the Labour Party,” he said.

“Anne was an MP and you would have thought that not winning last time some people would disappear to do something else but she stayed and wants to be the MP. She really does care and wants to help. There is everything to play for in winning this seat.

“I have no idea what difference I make to the situation. What I would say to people is to judge the celebrity, see what they have done with their lives.

“I have tried to do things in a positive way and if they think it adds up to something then listen to me. If you don’t want to listen to me you don’t have to.”

Anne Snelgrove welcomed the visit, saying everything mattered in what would be a close race.

She said: “It’s fantastic to have Eddie here. South Swindon is very important to Labour and so is Eddie.”

“He wanted to come to add his support to our campaign and I’m really grateful to him for doing that.”