Sheen, known for his portrayals of public figures including Tony Blair and David Frost, has said he was inspired by the community spirit of the passion plays he watched at Margam Park as a youngster.

BBC: Michael Sheen's Port Talbot Passion play reaches finale

The EHRC was hit by a series of resignations over the summer, and several public figures including the head of Stonewall , Ben Summerskill, and president of Mencap , Lord Rix, have called on Trevor Phillips to resign.

BBC: Public Accounts Committee

Last year, the Metropolitan Police chose not to launch an investigation into claims, made by the Guardian newspaper, that a host of public figures - including former deputy PM Lord Prescott - had had their messages hacked by journalists there.

BBC: Coulson 'has no case to answer' over phone hack claims

The paper alleges Mr Prescott and "two or three thousand" other public figures were targeted, including London Mayor Boris Johnson and former Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, but evidence about the bugging operation was suppressed by the police and the High Court.

BBC: Prescott calls for hacking probe

Our proposals will also be informed by leading external figures including academics and others who command public respect and have a recognised interest or expertise in the different elements of democratic reform.

BBC: In full: Constitution proposals

Last year, a number of other candidates, including 2011 Iowa straw poll winner Michelle Bachmann, as well as other national security and public policy figures, lent their names to the Peace Through Strength Platform, and its objective of applying that Reagan philosophy to contemporary challenges.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy