LAURENCE Fox is launching a new political party to fight the so-called “culture wars” and celebrate Britain's history.
The actor and musician, known for his role in TV drama Lewis and controversial views on racism, has reportedly raised more than £1 million, with help from former Tory donors.
He hopes to recruit dozens of candidates to stand at the next General Election, though the name "Reclaim” is yet to be approved by the Electoral Commission.
A Westminster source, speaking to The Telegraph, described the party as “basically a Ukip for culture”.
Fox told the paper: “Over many years it has become clear that our politicians have lost touch with the people they represent and govern. Moreover, our public institutions now work to an agenda beyond their main purpose.
“Our modern United Kingdom was borne out of the respectful inclusion of so many individual voices. It is steeped in the innate values of families and communities, diverse in the truest sense but united in the want and need to call this island home.
"The people of the United Kingdom are tired of being told that we represent the very thing we have, in history, stood together against.”
READ MORE: Who is Laurence Fox and why is he annoying everyone?
He added: "Our country is now in desperate need of a new political movement which promises to make our future a shared endeavour, not a divisive one. This is now my endeavour."
Fox hit the headline earlier this year when he denied the media’s treatment of Meghan Markle was racially motivated.
During an appearance on Question Time, he said the row was “boring” and claimed: “It’s not racism. We’re the most tolerant lovely country in Europe.”
Fox revealed in April that his claims had caused tension with his brother in law, actor and director Richard Ayoade.
Ayoade, who is half-Nigerian, was reportedly furious at this, and told Fox: “You have never encountered racism.”
Fox responded: “Yeah, of course I have. I’ve encountered racism from black people towards me, when I was working in Kenya [as a safari driver] for seven months. It’s the way you’re spoken to — racism can be deferential.”
Asked by an interviewer to explain his “deferential” claim, the actor said: “This is why you don’t get actors involved in chats like this. Because I’m just not smart enough to do it.”
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