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Election 2017: The surprising and not-so surprising ways celebrities will be casting their ballots today

While the Labour leader has gained the support of everyone from acclaimed Hollywood actors to Eastenders' very own Grant Mitchell, Theresa May has been rather less successful in rousing the backing of the famous

Maya Oppenheim
Thursday 08 June 2017 13:35 BST
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Grime stars and UK rappers have been some of the most vocal supporters of Mr Corbyn
Grime stars and UK rappers have been some of the most vocal supporters of Mr Corbyn

It is no secret that the world of show business tends to be more closely aligned to the left of the political spectrum than the right. This was evident for all to see during the 2016 US presidential election campaign when Donald Trump became one of the most universally despised figures to grace the hills of Hollywood in a long time.

But it has also been discernible across the Atlantic throughout the general election campaign. Since Theresa May called a snap election at the beginning of May, famous people from all vocations have come forth to reveal their political allegiances and Jeremy Corbyn has undeniably been the fashionable choice.

This is not to say there are not great swathes of high-profile personage voting for the current British Prime Minister but they have been far less vocal and vociferous about it - call it the so-called “shy Tory” factor.

The Labour leader, better known by his moniker of “Corbs” to fans, has managed to garner the support of an acclaimed Hollywood actor or two, the Grime community, and even Eastenders’ very own Grant Mitchell.

Here is a quick rundown of who is voting for which party:

Steve Coogan

The Alan Partridge star has been outspoken about where his loyalties lie. He endorsed Mr Corbyn for PM at a rally in Birmingham on Tuesday evening.

The actor accused the Conservatives of “taking the p***”, saying: "Theresa May it seems now after all is not Margaret Thatcher mark II, she's got the charisma of a pancake”.

Danny DeVito

The New Jersey actor, who rose to fame for his portrayal of Louie De Palma in TV series Taxi, has also made no secret of being an all-out Corbynista.

The Grime scene such as Stormzy, Jme and Akala

Grime stars and UK rappers have been some of the most vocal supporters of Mr Corbyn, with everyone from Stormzy to Jme, AJ Tracey, Novelist, Professor Green, Akala, and much more expressing their admiration for him.

In Stormzy’s own words last year: “My man, Jeremy! I dig what he says. I feel like he gets what the ethnic minorities are going through and the homeless and the working class.”

Stephen Hawking

The celebrated astrophysicist, often referred to as the world's smartest man, has backed Mr Corbyn, saying the Tories would be a "disaster" for public services.

“I’m voting Labour because another five years of Conservative government would be a disaster for the NHS, the police and other public services," he said.

Mark Ruffalo

The Spotlight actor and activist expressed his support for Mr Corbyn via Twitter.

“Because Jeremy Corbyn offers people an alternative to the Corporate status quo, which never ends well for them, I humbly endorse Corbyn,” he said.

Joey Barton

The Rangers midfielder could be said to be an unlikely ally for Mr Corbyn but that hasn’t stopped him declaring his support.

Kate Nash

Speaking to NME, the singer said: “I’m voting for Labour because I really care about the NHS. I care about workers’ rights and education, humanitarian rights and the planet. I love the manifesto and I love Jeremy’s promises and pledges.

“To me it’s about looking at something and seeing if that is gonna take care of the most vulnerable people in the country,” she continues, “then it gives everybody the best shot.”

Ricky Gervais

The comedian put it utmost simply when he said: “the only way to keep Theresa May out is to vote for Jeremy Corbyn.”

Brian May

It was Mr Corbyn’s staunch opposition to fox hunting which sealed the deal for May. The lead guitarist, who co-founded Queen, recently shared an article by The Independent headlined “Jeremy Corbyn says Fox hunting is ‘barbarity’ and pledges to keep it banned”.

He captioned it: “Well, I guess that just about clinches it !! Anyone see any good reason not to prefer the evidently decent Corbyn over the weak and wobbly Mrs May? Bri”.

Lily Allen

The pop star, who came out strongly in support of Mr Corbyn back in June 2016, has been open about her admiration for him.

Ross Kemp

The actor, who is best known for playing Grant Mitchell in Eastenders, has been out and about campaigning for Labour.

Alexa Chung

The model and fashion designer shared a graphic on her Instagram which included the words “vote Labour for our future”.

“For the NHS hospital I was born in and the comprehensive school I attended. For the many, not the few,” she said.

Other Labour fans

Other Labour voters include Eddie Izzard, who has been busy on the campaign trail, music duo Sleaford Mods, Shameless actor Maxine Peake, broadcaster Danny Baker, and Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.

Lord Alan Sugar

Lord Sugar, a former Labour supporter, has warned the electorate not to vote for Ms May. The Apprentice star, who joined the “billionaire’s club” in 2015 according to the Sunday Times Rich List, recently told The Sun he would be voting for Ms May.

Jim Davidson

The comedian has given his backing to Ms May, sharing a photo of himself campaigning for the Conservatives. He also recently tweeted: “Vote Corbyn, get Abbott. Wake up UK."

Jon McCririck

The horse racing pundit has endorsed the Conservative party, calling for people to vote “Mother Theresa”.

Andy Goode

The former England rugby player has been outspoken about his support for the Conservative party on Twitter.

Bob Geldof

The rockstar has expressed his support for the Lib Dems due to their anti-Brexit stance.

“For the first time in my life I’m going to vote for those guys, the Lib Dems,” he said. “This election is about nothing else except Brexit ."

Richard Dawkins

The evolutionary biologist is turning out for the Lib Dems for similar reasons to Geldof.

Rachel Johnson

The journalist, who is the sister of Boris Johnson, has gone against her brother and broken family ranks and backed the orange party.

Vivienne Westwood

The fashion designer and vocal climate activist Dame Vivienne Westwood has heaped praise on the Green Party as the “only opposition” in the general election.

She told The Irish Times: “The only way out of this (environmental crisis) is a green economy, and the Greens are the only opposition we’ve got. Green is the only non-wasted vote.”

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