British comedian Eddie Izzard to run for London mayor in 2020 (VIDEO)

British transvestite comedian and long-standing Labour Party supporter Eddie Izzard said he will contest the London mayoral race in 2020.

No, he was not performing one of his stand-up routines. 

Izzard, who has previously expressed an interest in pursuing a career in public office, told a Labour Party conference in the southcoast city of Brighton on Tuesday that he would seek the party's nomination.

The 51-year-old did not explain why he would not go for the mayoralty in 2016. 

Izzard made the announcement at an event hosted by Labour List, which is an online network of grassroots activists.

The audience reportedly responded with cheers.

Izzard has a huge following in Britain where he often performs in women's clothes and make-up. 

He came out as a heterosexual transvestite when he was 23 and once ran 43 marathons in 51 days to raise money for charity. 

“Why would I decide to be a transvestite?” he asked, during an interview with Vanity Fair earlier this year.

“It’s a pain in the ass. But I’ve grown comfortable with it. If anyone has a problem with that, they can see a psychiatrist and work on their problem."

If you are not familiar with Izzard, check out this interview with British talkshow host Michael Parkinson in 2003.