Mark Rylance has publicly shown his support for the Greens by posing with the party's local council candidates.

Bridge of Spies star Mark Rylance is not one to keep his political cards close to his chest, and this week he made his position clear by holding a rather large “Vote Green” placard in a photo op with his local council candidates.

The actor, who lives in the borough of Lambeth, south London, was pictured with aspiring councillors Nick Christian, Matt Reynolds and Becca Thackray.

Lambeth Council has long been controlled by Labour. But with the controversial closing or restructuring of some of the neighbourhood’s libraries affecting the party’s popularity, the Greens have smelled blood in the water.

Green Lambeth candidates are said to be receiving extra support and, perhaps not coincidentally, the party’s local election manifesto was launched in one of the borough’s council estates threatened with demolition.

Commenting on Rylance’s support, Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley wrote on Twitter:

“Great to have local #HerneHill resident (and Oscar winner) Mark Rylance supporting our council candidates!”

Rylance has in the past supported the Greens on local elections, but also backed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s policies.

Joana Ramiro is a reporter for Left Foot Forward. You can follow her on Twitter for all sorts of rants here.

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