Hugh Grant surprises voters by hitting campaign trail with Lib Dem candidate Luciana Berger

Read our live politics updates HERE
Bonnie Christian2 December 2019
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Hugh Grant surprised voters in north London by hitting the campaign trail with Liberal Democrat candidate Luciana Berger.

The Notting Hill and Love Actually star braved the cold on Sunday night to go door-knocking with the ex-Labour MP to help in the Finchley and Golders Green constituency.

Grant revealed last month that he would campaign in support of tactical voting in the December 12 general election to stop Brexit.

Speaking to Ms Berger’s supporters after canvassing, Grant admitted that he was not “a life-long Lib Dem supporter”.

Hugh Grant canvassing with (right) Liberal Democrat candidate for Finchley and Golders Green, Luciana Berger
PA

But he added: “The real reason I’m here is, like so many of the population now, is that poll after poll has shown Britain has changed its mind."

He also added that Ms Berger was a "politician of principle" and that it was "imperative" that Boris Johnson is not elected prime minister.

Hugh Grant said he would support tactical voting
Getty Images

Grant plans to visit various constituencies and support other parties with tactical voting against Brexit, which he described as the “responsibility of all of us”.

One resident, student Sam L’huillier, 19, was star-struck when the pair turned up at his door - but apparently less so by the famous actor.

“It was sick. I don’t really know Hugh Grant but I’m obviously a big Lib Dem supporter so I think it was cool chatting to Luciana Berger,” he said.

Actor Hugh Grant speaks to supporters during a Liberal Democrat campaign event
Getty Images

Neighbour Grant Nairn, 44, said: “I didn’t realise (the seat) was that close because historically it’s been Labour, but I’m against leaving the EU.”

Mr Nairn said Ms Berger’s presence “made a big difference,” and that he would consider his position.

His daughter Lulu, 10, was excited for other reasons.

Hugh Grant surprises voters by hitting the campaign trail
Getty Images

“He (Grant) is so amazing, he’s in Paddington, he’s in Two Weeks, it’s like, oh my God, someone famous is outside my window – it was so awesome,” she said.

Ms Berger tweeted from the campaign trail, writing:" Great to be joined by @HackedOffHugh in Finchley and Golders Green on the doorstep and at our rally. Hugh talked about the in seat polls conducted here over the last 2 months which show we can win and how important tactical voting is at this election to #StopBrexit"

One person spotted Grant on the Piccadilly line, saying he "even had a script".

Lib Dem Councillor for East Sheen tweeted: "Can you *actually* imagine answer your door on a cold Sunday to @lucianaberger & @HackedOffHugh canvassing in Finchley and Golders Green."

In the coming days, Grant will join Chuka Umunna and Independent candidate Dominic Grieve to canvas voters, as well as another un-named Labour candidate who is contesting a Tory-held seat in an outer London constituency.

Grant, who played the Prime Minister in Love Actually, joked that he had a soft spot for the Lib Dems as he had “led the party for much of the 60s and 70s”, referring to his role as Jeremy Thorpe in the BBC programme, A Very English Scandal.

General Election 2019 - In pictures

1/83

In a short Q&A after the canvassing, he was asked “as a former prime minister” how he would tackle the US president, a question referencing his role in Love Actually. Grant replied coyly that it would be tricky with a “complete moron as president”.

He also revealed that his "dream" outcome would be a hung parliament.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in