Andy Burnham has condemned the crimes committed by Russell Brand against women, as Labour figures face renewed questions over their previous associations with the comedian and their attempts to secure his political support.
The Greater Manchester Mayor described Brand’s actions as “horrifying” after the former television and radio presenter was convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also praised the women who came forward to report the allegations, alongside the journalists and investigators who helped bring the case to court.
The developments have revived scrutiny of several senior Labour politicians who publicly praised Brand or sought to associate themselves with his growing political influence during his entertainment career.
Prime Minister Praises Brand’s Victims After Conviction
Speaking to Times Radio, the Prime Minister condemned Brand’s crimes and paid tribute to the women who had the courage to speak publicly about their experiences.
“It’s horrifying what Russell Brand has done,” he said.
Starmer also recognised the work of journalists who supported the women and helped expose the allegations against the comedian.
He said the victims and journalists deserved recognition for their courage in coming forward and speaking out about the abuse.
Burnham similarly praised the women and others involved in bringing Brand to justice, describing his crimes as horrifying.
Burnham and Miliband Previously Sought Brand’s Support
The renewed attention has placed Labour’s previous relationship with Brand under the spotlight.
Burnham, who served as shadow health secretary in 2014, publicly praised the comedian on social media for using his celebrity status to help other people.
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband also sought to engage Brand ahead of the 2015 general election.
Miliband was interviewed by the comedian at his £2 million penthouse as Labour attempted to connect with his substantial following.
Brand had developed a reputation for challenging established political figures and criticising the political establishment, making him an influential personality among sections of the Left.
Brand’s Appearance Before MPs Turned Into a Political Spectacle
Footage has also resurfaced of Brand appearing before the Home Affairs Committee in 2012, following an invitation from then-chairman Keith Vaz.
The comedian attended the parliamentary hearing to discuss drug addiction and his efforts to overcome his previous heroin dependency.
Dressed in a sleeveless vest, ripped jeans and several gold chains, Brand adopted an informal approach to the proceedings, repeatedly addressing MPs as “mate”.
He joked about having been arrested 12 times, prompting laughter from some members of the committee.
However, his behaviour also generated confrontations with politicians.
When Labour MP David Winnick, who was 78 at the time, accused him of turning the hearing into a “variety show”, Brand responded by comparing the proceedings to the television comedy Dad’s Army.
The appearance proved embarrassing for Vaz, who faced accusations of seeking publicity by inviting the already controversial comedian to Parliament.
Vaz later resigned as Leicester East MP at the 2019 general election after receiving a six-month suspension from the House of Commons.
He had been caught offering to purchase Class A drugs for male sex workers.
Women Who Questioned Brand’s Behaviour Faced Opposition
Brand’s history of controversial public behaviour did not prevent prominent figures on the political Left from associating with him.
His 2008 Sachsgate scandal, in which he left voicemails for actor Andrew Sachs boasting about having slept with his granddaughter, also failed to end his public influence.
As he became increasingly involved in progressive politics around 2013 and 2014, some women within activist circles reportedly expressed concerns about his attitudes towards women.
Former activist ElleMae O’Hagen has recalled how women who questioned Brand’s involvement in political movements encountered hostility from fellow campaigners.
Writing on Bluesky, she said Brand began attending demonstrations and attempting to participate in political meetings while travelling in a chauffeur-driven car.
She described a growing divide between male activists who welcomed his involvement and women who were more cautious because of his previous public conduct.
O’Hagen said she and other women were subjected to arguments and abuse after raising concerns about his sexism.
She explained that her objections were based on statements and behaviour already in the public domain, rather than accusations of specific criminal offences.
According to her account, male colleagues with whom she had previously organised political activities dismissed her concerns.
Brand Later Shifted His Support to Jeremy Corbyn
Following Labour’s defeat in the 2015 general election, Brand moved his political support towards Jeremy Corbyn, who subsequently became the party’s leader.
Ahead of the 2017 general election, which resulted in a hung parliament, Brand published an article in the Huffington Post supporting Corbyn’s political ambitions.
He praised the Labour leader’s record on issues including the Iraq War and described his political positions as consistent with common sense and compassion.
Brand also defended Corbyn’s previous engagement with the Irish Republican Army, arguing that discussions with the organisation were part of efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.
In 2022, Brand and Corbyn appeared together at a demonstration outside Parliament in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who was facing extradition to the United States.
Labour Figures Had Previously Praised the Comedian
Other senior Labour politicians also publicly expressed admiration for Brand during his growing involvement in political discussions.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant wrote about the comedian in an October 2013 column for The Independent.
Bryant described Brand as clever and funny, praising his ability to make arguments about different subjects engaging.
He also acknowledged Brand’s criticism of economic inequality, particularly the divide between rich and poor.
However, Bryant criticised what he considered the comedian’s unrealistic approach to political revolution, arguing that waiting for sweeping change was not an option for people struggling financially.
He subsequently described his feelings towards Brand as a mixture of love and frustration.
Jess Phillips Recalled Attempting to Join Brand’s Political Movement
Labour MP and former minister Jess Phillips also attempted to engage with Brand when he began expressing political ambitions in 2013.
She posted on Twitter, now X, that she had tried to join his proposed revolution and was waiting to hear back.
In another post, she encouraged him to work towards getting poorer people involved in politics and ensuring their voices were heard.
Phillips later shared a photograph of Brand with her brother, Luke Trainor, at a substance recovery centre in Birmingham in 2016.
She praised the comedian’s visit but also highlighted her brother’s recovery journey, writing that he was the person who made her most proud.
Phillips Says Brand’s Conviction Brought Relief
Speaking to Times Radio earlier in the week, Phillips said she felt relieved following Brand’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.
She said many women across the country would have experienced similar feelings after the verdict was delivered.
Phillips also referred to the attention surrounding the trial and the arguments and evidence presented during the proceedings.
She said women would have been deeply hurt if the verdict had gone the other way.
The Labour MP also praised the journalists who investigated the allegations against Brand and the Metropolitan Police for their work in bringing the case forward.
