Labour’s Holyrood election campaign has suffered a major blow, with Dundee movie star Brian Cox switching allegiance to the SNP.
The Dundee University rector (64) said his belief in free higher education had convinced him to back Alex Salmond, despite lifelong support for Labour.
Giving a public endorsement to the nationalists and their record in office, he said, “As a lifelong Labour supporter, I find myself in this particular election feeling that I must support Alex Salmond and the SNP.
“The SNP has a vision for education in Scotland and the experience to ensure that they see it through.”
He added, “Alas, my position as rector of Dundee University supersedes in this situation my hitherto strong Labour Party affiliation.
“At this juncture, I feel that Alex Salmond’s policies are the right policies to hold the line against tuition fees in Scotland.”
The defection will come as a major blow to Labour
His comments are in stark contrast to the 2007 Holyrood election, when he backed Labour and provided a voice over for a party political broadcast.
The X-Men and Braveheart star had also made a similar broadcast for Labour ahead of the 1997 UK general election.
But Mr Cox has consistently expressed his anger with tuition fees being imposed on students in England and his concern they could come to Scotland.’Passionate’ beliefIn a recent interview with The Courier he said it was unfair that people who benefited from a free education are now denying others the same privilege.
He is now convinced the SNP are the party most likely to stop tuition fees being implemented north of the border.
Mr Cox said, “I believe passionately in free education and know that as long as Alex is First Minister, he will defend this principle.
“It is because of his leadership on the critical issue of higher education that I am happy to endorse Alex and hope to see him re-elected in May.”
Mr Cox, who grew up in Dundee, is the latest high-profile figure to back to Mr Salmond.
Dunfermline-born writer Iain Banks and Carnoustie-raised actor Alan Cumming have also declared their support for the SNP.
On Tuesday night Mr Salmond welcomed winning his backing.
He said, “It is great to have this endorsement from one of Scotland’s most famous sons and on the positive policy of supporting free education.
“For all Brian’s fame and international reputation, he is a dedicated and passionate supporter of the principles of Scottish education and his welcome remarks will carry wide appeal across Scotland.”
The SNP, Labour and Liberal Democrats have all ruled out tuition fees.
Only the Tories have come out in favour of a graduate contribution, which they say is required to prevent Scottish universities falling behind rival institutions in England, which will soon be able to charge fees of up to £9000 a year.