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Clegg's celebs: Lib Dem star supporters

By Anna Doble

Updated on 03 May 2010

The stars are shining for Nick Clegg's Liberal Democrats - with the party publishing an Obama-style list of high-profile backers. Who Knows Who takes a look.

Colin Firth, Nick Clegg and Daniel Radcliffe. (Credit: Reuters)

With Nick Clegg's conversion from fresh-faced newcomer to heavyweight election contender (see his Who Knows Who map here), a dash of stardust has been sprinkled over previous also-rans the Liberal Democrats.

We already knew about Clegg's connections to Helena Bonham Carter and another college mate-turned Hollywood star Sam Mendes. Perhaps a little of their showbiz style has rubbed off on the Lib Dem leader.

His ease in front of the camera undoubtedly raised the political bar during the live TV debates which triggered what many believe is a new era of three-party politics.

"Cleggmania" has drawn comparisons with the wave of public excitement which took hold around Barack Obama during his journey to the White House in 2008.

And like the US president, Clegg has achieved that rare political feat - he is (for now, at least) the "cool" candidate, perhaps capable of winning the youth vote.

The Lib Dems have published a list of high-profile supporters to prove this point. It features an intriguing combination of famous names.

(Nick Clegg placards show he is a surprise contender for Britain's top job - Getty Images)

Actor Colin Firth has come out in favour of Clegg, saying: "As a once committed Labour voter I, like so many, have been appalled by the abandonment of the values they advocated while in opposition.

"For me, their conduct on asylum alone is reason enough never to be able to contemplate voting for them again."

Meanwhile, human rights campaigner Bianca Jagger, ex-wife of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, said: "For those of us who firmly believe in human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of the environment, the Liberal Democrats are the only party who can be trusted.

"They were the only major political party to oppose the war in Iraq, and they are still the only party committed to a full public inquiry into allegations of British complicity in torture."

Music producer Brian Eno, who has already worked with Clegg as an adviser on connecting with young voters, said: "We need a new voice, somebody to think differently, and the Lib Dems can offer that."

Like Obama in the US, Nick Clegg appears to be the leader most likely to mobilise first-time voters.

Daniel Radcliffe, 20-year-old star of Harry Potter and 12th wealthiest young person in the UK, is clearly not put off by the party's plan to hit the super-rich with a "mansion tax".

He said: "If all the people who liked the Lib Dems voted for them you could change politics overnight and we could have a proper three-party system."

Interestingly, JK Rowling, who wrote the Potter books which paved Radcliffe's route to fame, is a well-known Labour supporter and big money donor.

Writer and director Armando Iannucci, famous for his political satire The Thick Of It (inspired in large doses by New Labour and the Blair years) is also on the list of Lib Dem star-backers.

He explained: "I'll be voting Lib Dem this election because they represent the best chance in a lifetime to make lasting and fair change to how the UK is governed."

Outspoken scientist and author Richard Dawkins and children's TV presenter Floella Benjamin, made famous by Play School in the 1980s, have also endorsed the Lib Dem campaign.

It is certainly a longer list than the Conservatives (key supporters Michael Caine and Gary Barlow) currently boast.

Labour have unveiled a batch of celebrity secret weapons in their latest party election broadcast - in the shape of EastEnders actor Ross Kemp and comedians Bill Bailey and Tony Robinson.

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