The old ones can sometimes be the best ones, so predictably a large number of people asked former Blackadder star Tony Robinson about his ‘cunning plan’ on a visit to Peterborough to support Labour candidate Andrew Pakes.
Tony, now of course Sir Tony having been knighted 11 years ago for public and political service, is more than the sum total of the parts he played on television or in the theatre.
He is also a prolific charity worker but is also a committed a member of the Labour Party and has been criss crossing the country during the election campaign to support local candidates.
Although his iconic Baldrick character from Blackadder is never far from the conversation, throughout this campaign he has absorbed the expectations of supporters with good humour coupled with strong support for a Labour government.
Sir Tony told CambsNews that Peterborough had always been a special place for him – and he explained the reason.
Just one more day to go until Polling Day.
Thursday 4 July.
A message from @Tony_Robinson about why if you want change, vote for change.
Let's change Peterborough and the country for the better. pic.twitter.com/eJ1UNLkmIb
— Andrew Pakes MP (@andrewpakes_) July 3, 2024
“My uncle used to have a farm in Chatteris, and I used to stay with my auntie in Doddington,” he said.
“I had a little mate called Snowy and we were only about 10 years old, and we used to catch the bus once a week we were allowed to go on our own to Peterborough.
“So, Peterborough has always been like Venice for me; it’s the place where you were allowed to go just occasionally to see it in all its wonders.
“And that’s how I still feel.”
He added: “If you really believe that we want should get rid of this government and get a Labour government then actually really truly put your cross by Andrew’s name on Thursday.”