Paxman calls Brand an ‘idiot’, says he’s ‘astonished’ people take him seriously

Paxman says he’s ‘astonished’ people take Brand’s politics seriously (Picture: Getty Images)

If you saw Russell Brand’s interview with Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight in 2013, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the broadcaster was sympathetic to – if not at all convinced by – the comedian’s political outlook.

Not so, apparently.

The famously abrasive former Newsnight host has slammed Brand and his refusal to vote in the upcoming election, saying it was the ‘position of an idiot’.

Speaking to Radio Times, he encouraged all members of the public to choose a party in the 7 May vote, adding that he had ‘no sympathy whatsoever’ with those who refused to do so.

MORE: Jeremy Paxman and David Mitchell join forces for Channel 4’s Alternative Election Night

Brand has advocated a radical overhaul of the political system (Picture: REX)

‘I think it really matters,’ he said.

‘I’m just astonished anyone would take [Brand’s] position seriously. It’s the position of an idiot.

‘On the whole I’m in favour of the state getting out of people’s lives, but I would not have a problem with voting being made compulsory. But if you did that, you’d have to have a box for “none of the above”.’