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Far from appearing in any way threatened by the competition, Boris Johnson has said he would be "thrilled" if Russell Brand ran for London Mayor .
The comedian, he said, was one of few people capable of getting young, disaffected voters back on board.
He also said he felt critics of Brand’s "revolution" were simply envious of his position – despite admitting that if we were to adopt his theories on political reform, it would likely end in "total global chaos".
"So much of this vituperation is obviously motivated by jealousy, of his success, his easy good humour, his string of beautiful and intelligent girlfriends, his Hollywood lifestyle, etc," he wrote in his column for The Telegraph .
"The second [reason for siding with Brand] is that he genuinely seems like a nice chap. A while ago he came to film Question Time in City Hall and made a good impression on everyone – chatting in the lift, introducing us to his mother etc – even if someone afterwards said that he did nip off to the gents for a long time."
Russell Brand's Most Controversial QuipsShow all 19 1 /19Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On puberty: “By puberty I learned that nothing worth having could be easily attained and to succeed one must be single minded."
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On changing the world: “I want to change the world, and do something valuable and beautiful. I want people to remember me before I'm dead, and then more afterwards.”
Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On being strong: "Strength does not have to be belligerent and loud."
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On grammar: “I couldn't possibly have sex with someone with such a slender grasp on grammar!”
Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On manners in England: "In England we have such good manners that if someone says something impolite, the police will get involved."
Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On junkie v vegetarian: “Even as a junkie I stayed true [to vegetarianism] - 'I shall have heroin, but I shan't have a hamburger.' What a sexy little paradox.”
Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On the future: “People don't realize that the future is just now, but later.”
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On sex addiction: “Boggle with sex addicts is up there with go-kart racing with junkies.”
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On life: “My life is just a series of embarrassing incidents strung together by telling people about those embarrassing incidents.”
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On happiness: "If you want to be happy stop being so self-obsessed and start considering other people."
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On drug addiction: “The mentality and behavior of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help, they have no hope.”
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On sitcoms: "I do have a regard for the musicality of language that came from BBC sitcoms like Fawlty Towers."
Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On life motivation: "That's what keeps me alive, perversion and star quality.”
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On love: “When you fall in love you recognise you're not the most important person in the world, and your focus becomes another person.”
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On threesomes: “I like threesomes with two women, not because I'm a cynical sexual predator. Oh no! But because I'm a romantic. I'm looking for "The One." And I'll find her more quickly if I audition two at a time.”
Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On Conservatives: "Conservatism appeals to our selfishness and fear, our designer and self-interest."
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On surfing: “Surfing should be called "foam-choking" or "sea stabbing.”
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On Demi Moore: "I've not made love to her yet, but it's a matter of time."
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Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On success: "When I was growing up, I thought I'd be a lot happier if I was famous and successful and if I had money."
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"Russell Brand may be about as convincing as a political theorist as a toaster made by Russell Hobbs, but he is at least engaging his left-wing audience with something they can recognise as passion," he added.
His comments came after Brand refused to rule out speculation that he was set to run for London Mayor in 2016 .
The Mail Online alleged that he was considering standing on an independent "anti-politics" ticket.
"We are not commenting," a spokesperson for the actor said.
The report followed an explosive appearance on Newsnight on Thursday, during which Brand said he was "open-minded" to conspiracy theories that suggest the US government orchestrated the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers.
"We have to remain open-minded to that kind of possibility," he said.
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