Party leaders 'write on' analysis

ANALYSIS of handwriting samples from the leaders of the three main political parties has found that Gordon Brown "won't be told what to do", David Cameron is "skilled at talking his way in and out of things" and Nick Clegg can "get what he wants without aggression".

Graphologist Elaine Quigley analysed samples of the three men's writing for Cosmopolitan magazine, without being told whose they were or even that they were politicians.

She said that the Prime Minister's writing showed that those who work with him "need to impress with their efficiency".

Mr Brown "doesn't trust people who are careless about details", found the graphologist, while the Conservative leader is "independent, intelligent, with integrity" and the Liberal Democrat boss is "larger than life".

A poll of 750 female readers found that 90 per cent do not believe MPs' promises and 70 per cent think voting is a waste of time.

Answering the Cosmo questionnaire, Mr Brown revealed he listens to the Beatles and U2, would like to be a charity worker or teacher if he was not a politician and is most relaxed in his home-town with his family.

Mr Cameron has a surprising taste for books by left-winger Tony Benn, enjoys watching Spooks and would like to be a farmer. And Mr Clegg is happiest walking in the mountains and watches Come Dine With Me.

Asked what their wives would name as their worst habits, Mr Brown said "being untidy", Mr Cameron "making an appalling mess in the kitchen" and Mr Clegg "smoking the occasional cigarette".