Russell Brand has claimed he was sent an anonymous donation of £400,000 in cash to stand in the General Election.

The controversial comedian – who is openly anti-establishment and has been leading a campaign encouraging people NOT to vote in the election in protest against the current political parties – revealed on his audioBoom podcast he had contacted the police about what to do with the money.

Russell, 39, said: “There are a lot of things coming up in the show. We can talk about the suspicious situation where someone dropped off 400 grand in a box at the offices for me to run in the election. 400 grand!”

Russell Brand (Matt Crossick/PA)
Russell Brand on Question Time last year (Matt Crossick/PA)

The outspoken comic revealed he did not feel he could keep the money.

He said: “I spoke to the fella and I don’t think it would be a legitimate situation to keep the money… a cardboard box arrived at John Noel Management offices with 400 grand in the box. Cash money. I think it’s in 50s [pound notes], I’ve not looked at it, you know me, I’m ol’ Russ, honest Russ, can’t be corrupted.”

Russell went on: “We involved the police… I wouldn’t have done it… but you know me mate, I’m moody, I’m snide, I’m a double dealer. I can’t be trusted. Look I’m in the public eye, I can’t just take boxes of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“The old bill got involved – I like the police, they’re going to come back and work for the people again – the police said, ‘It’s not illegal if you’re Russell Brand and someone hands you 400 grand, it’s inadvisable but… it ain’t illegal.’

Russell Brand brought his marriage woes to the stage  (Matt Sayles/Invision)
Russell Brand on stage (Matt Sayles/Invision)

“Now the bloke’s missus says he’s, ‘had an episode like this last year’.”

“I’ve not looked at it yet but that is a lot of money.”

Russell appeared on Question Time last year, when he was challenged by the brother of a UKIP MEP to stand for parliament.

He replied: “My problem would be mate, I’d stand for Parliament but I’d be scared that I’d become one of them.”