Russell Brand has taken over political magazine New Statesman as guest editor but admitted he has never voted in an election.

The comic has written a 4,500-word essay about revolution – the theme of this week’s issue – and also included contributions by Gary Lineker, Alec Baldwin and Noel Gallagher in the magazine.

He said: “When people talk about politics within the existing Westminster framework I feel a dull thud in my stomach and my eyes involuntarily glaze.

“Like when I’m conversing and the subject changes from me and moves on to another topic.

“I try to remain engaged but behind my eyes I am adrift in immediate nostalgia; “How happy I was earlier in this chat,” I instantly think.

“I have never voted.

“Like most people I am utterly disenchanted by politics.

“Like most people I regard politicians as frauds and liars and the current political system as nothing more than a bureaucratic means for furthering the augmentation and advantages of economic elites.”

Brand’s guest editorship led to him being interviewed on Newsnight by Jeremy Paxman, who branded the comedian a ‘trivial man’.

It followed an exchange that saw Paxman say he would not argue with many of the points the star had made about inequality.

Brand replied: “So, how come I feel so cross with you? It can’t just be because of that beard. It’s gorgeous. If the Daily Mail don’t want it, I do.

“I’m against them, grow it longer, tangle it into your armpit hair.”

Paxman said: “You are a very trivial man.”