Andrew Whitaker: Politics and celebrity endorsements

THE ill-judged record release this week from veteran DJ Mike Read, in which he mimics a Jamaican accent in a song praising Nigel Farage’s anti-European Union party, evokes memories of previous unfortunate celebrity forays into politics.

Tony Blairs 'Cool Britannia' Downing Street reception for stars such as Noel Gallagher backfired. Picture: PA

In the blue corner there was the reported comment from magician Paul Daniels who was said to be considering leaving the UK in the event of a Labour victory at the 1997 election.

What followed is history, with Tony Blair’s landslide that year and the political intervention of the TV magician having no bearing on the outcome.

Then there was the backing Coronation Street actor William Roache gave to then Tory MP Neil Hamilton, also in 1997, when the soap star’s photo opportunities with the politician – embroiled in a cash for questions scandal – were not enough to prevent TV newsman Martin Bell wrestling a safe seat from the Conservatives.

Of course, all parties have had their celebrity nightmares, with the Tories probably having the least envied record, what with endorsements from figures such as comic Jim Davidson.

Labour has also had its moments and it’s probably fair to say that Blair’s “Cool Britannia” Downing Street reception for stars such as Noel Gallagher backfired a little, when some of the guests later became critical of New Labour.

Whatever cringe-making celebrity moments the parties may have inflicted on themselves and the public over the years, it’s worth asking whether endorsements from stars make any real difference to how people vote. The simple answer is probably no, as people usually vote on critical issues such as living standards, job prospects and the level of wages, rather than which party Cilla Black or Emma Thompson is backing.

However, support from household names has in the past helped give momentum to winning parties, and slick campaigns lend an impression of popularity. Think of the stream of endorsements the SNP unveiled in the run-up to the 2011 election, with figures such as Hollywood actors Brian Cox and Alan Cumming.

Before things went a bit sour, the Cool Britannia image probably did, in all fairness, help Mr Blair too in 1997, with figures such as Oasis star Gallagher adding to the image of a young and dynamic leader taking over from the grey, crusty John Major government.

On the lighter side, former London mayor Ken Livingstone even had a song about his exploits penned by singer Kate Bush, imaginatively titled Ken – probably a prime example of celebrity politics that helped with an image and was a bit of fun, but made little difference to any political issue.