Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland is throwing his hat in the ring for one of the most coveted political positions in the UK – Mayor of Skegness.
While Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer battle it out to secure a General Election victory, the 57-year-old star has his own political campaign geared up and ready to go.
The acclaimed actor turned country musician – best known for playing Jack Bauer in hit series 24 – is set to embark on tour across the US and UK this summer after dropping his latest album, Bloor Street in 2022.
During The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Kiefer shared his sadness at having to leave London again, at which point presenter Chris pointed out that he had travelled to various locations across the UK.
‘Kiefer knows where Cleethorpes is!’ Chris added, referring to the obscure seaside town in Lincolnshire.
‘Yeah. Most people don’t know this, but I’m actually running for Mayor for Skegness,’ Kiefer added, nonchalantly. Skegness is located on Lincolnshire coast of the North Sea with a population of around 21,000.
At which point fellow host Dominic Bryne spoke for us all as he proclaimed: ‘You’ve got our vote!’
‘Well, you’ll have to come out and that’s a bit of a trip. But I’ve got five friends there so it looks like I’m winning,’ Kiefer joked.
And at the idea that people might be ‘astonished’ that Kiefer even knows Skegness, the Emmy-winning star simply said: ‘There’s an Indian restaurant there that is underestimated, and I’ve got some friends that play music who are extraordinary from there.’
Kiefer is already used to the cutthroat world of politics after starring as the US President in Designated Survivor in which his character is unexpectedly thrust into the highest office in the land.
Unfortunately, he may have to wait a while longer before making his dreams come true as Skegness only just appointed a new mayor, Adrian Findley, earlier this month.
The mayor’s responsibilities include attending local community events, promoting the Town as a visitor attraction and marking special occasions.
Kiefer returns in August to kick off the UK leg of his tour which, coincidentally, arrives in Lincoln on August 14 giving him a chance to canvas for more votes on the ground.
Elsewhere, the actor spoke about his love for the capital by recalling a dinner with co-star Jon Cassar after they finished shooting the final season of 24 in London.
He continued: ‘I looked at him and I said, “This is such a drag. This is the only location that I’ve ever been at in 30 years that I’m going to be sad leaving.” And he said, “Me too.” And it’s true. It’s an incredibly special city. The traffic is awful. Terrible, the weather’s not great. But the people are awesome.’
Alongside his music, Kiefer is also set to star in Clint Eastwood’s upcoming movie Juror #2. He recently revealed he landed the role after sending Clint a handwritten letter filled with his admiration for the legendary actor and director.
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