Comedian and political activist Eddie Izzard took part in a whirlwind tour of the town to support Labour Mayor of London candidate Ken Livingstone.

Izzard, who has been a Labour party member since the 90’s, arrived at East Croydon Station to be met by local councillors and Greater London Authority candidate Louisa Woodley this morning.

He was then whisked to visit student at Croydon College and traders in Surrey Street Market.

Mr Izzard, who plans to run for political office in 2020, said: “Ken Livingstone plans to bring down travel fares by seven per cent, and has promised he will resign from office if this has not been done by October this year. That is a guarantee. That reduction will put around £1000 back in the pockets of Londoners.”

Izzard, who is known for speaking openly about his tendency towards cross-dressing , also attacked Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s attitude towards the role.

He said: “Some people seem to think the Mayor of London is an ambassador who is wheeled out to open things and cut ribbons. In reality it is a hugely administrative role and there can be no doubt Ken Livingstone is a better administrator. Ken will put Labour and London first, I get the feeling Boris puts Boris first.”

A Crystal Palace fan, Izzard said he was a regular visitor to Croydon, and had wanted to support the Labour cause in the borough.

He said: “I told Ken I would campaign for him in March and here I am. I regularly am in Croydon, I cycle through Croydon on my way to my dad’s.”

The visit to Surrey Street Market found a number of fellow Labour supporters.

Massoud Sakhizada, 26, has run his donut stall in Croydon for two years.

He said: “I always vote Labour i think they look after the poorer families. I will be voting for Ken because I think transport costs are very important.”

Fellow Palace fan Tom Poole, who has run a stall of household goods for 13 years spoke with Izzard, who signed his accounts book.

He said: "He seems a good guy. It’s great he has taken the time to come down and help Ken.

"I’ll definitely be voting for him because of what he has said about transport fares."

The Mayoral Election will be held on May 3.