Russell Brand admits he's never voted and declares Paxman's beard 'gorgeous'

To mark his one-off stint as editor of the New Statesman, Brand went on Newsnight to discuss political disenchantment... and facial hair
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Agency24 October 2013
The Weekender

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Russell Brand has edited an issue of political magazine the New Statesman, but admitted in a Newsnight interview with Jeremy Paxman that he has never voted in an election.

The comedian has written a 4,500-word essay about revolution - the theme of this week's issue - and also included contributions by Gary Lineker, Alec Baldwin and Noel Gallagher in the magazine.

He said: "When people talk about politics within the existing Westminster framework I feel a dull thud in my stomach and my eyes involuntarily glaze.

"Like when I'm conversing and the subject changes from me and moves on to another topic.

"I try to remain engaged but behind my eyes I am adrift in immediate nostalgia; 'How happy I was earlier in this chat,' I instantly think.

"I have never voted.

"Like most people, I am utterly disenchanted by politics.

"Like most people, I regard politicians as frauds and liars and the current political system as nothing more than a bureaucratic means for furthering the augmentation and advantages of economic elites."

Embargoed to 0001 Thursday October 24 Undated handout photo issued by the New Statesman of the front cover of the Revolution-themed New Statesman that Russell Brand guest edited. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday October 24, 2013. See PA story SHOWBIZ Brand. Photo credit should read: New Statesman/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Former England striker turned Match of the Day frontman Gary Lineker says in his column that pushy parents are destroying England's chances of playing good football.

He said: "We need a parental cultural revolution.

"If we could just get them to shut the f up and let their children enjoy themselves, you would be staggered at the difference it would make."

Brand's guest editorship led to him being interviewed on Newsnight by Jeremy Paxman, who branded the comedian a "trivial man".

It followed an exchange that saw Mr Paxman say he would not argue with points the star had made about inequality.

Brand replied: "So, how come I feel so cross with you? It can't just be because of that beard. It's gorgeous. If the Daily Mail don't want it, I do.

"I'm against them, grow it longer, tangle it into your armpit hair."

Mr Paxman said: "You are a very trivial man."

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