Comedian Steve Coogan has said voting tactically to stop the Conservatives getting into power “will be a great victory for common sense”.

The Alan Partridge Star was out canvassing in Chipping Barnet last night (December 9) with Labour parliamentary candidate for the area Emma Whysall.

It comes despite Coogan, a Labour supporter, admitting he will cast his vote to the Lib Dems at the General Election in his home constituency.

But the comedian said a vote for the Lib Dems in Chipping Barnet would be “wasted”.

“I say that as a Labour supporter voting for the Lib Dems in Lewes since it’s a Lib Dem/Tory constituency,” Coogan said to the Barnet Times.

“I am all about tactical voting. It is about voting for the people who will get the Tories out.”

At the last General Election in 2017 Tory parliamentary candidate Theresa Villiers managed beat Mrs Whysall by just over 300 votes in Chipping Barnet.

And Coogan believes the majority is so small in the area that it is a “fight worth having”.

He added: “This is a marginal seat and it is everything to play for.

“If Emma beats the Tories here it will be a great victory for common sense. And for people coming together.”

During Coogan’s visit to Chipping Barnet he had a pint at the Ye Olde Mitre Pub followed by addressing a large crowd of Labour supporters nearby.

Asked about having famous faces involved in politics, Coogan said: “Some people will be interested in what I have to say, but I believe it is not just about being recognised.

“If you have peoples respect then they might listen to you and if you don’t then they won’t.

“But I think that my Labour credentials are fairly sound and I try to act ethically in my work so I am hoping some people will be persuaded by what I say.”

Mrs Whysall added: “I think its great that Steve is here.

“I think it’s wonderful to have him since as he says he is a long-time supporter of the party and stands up for Labour values.”