Media agency RSCG has created a poster featuring Gordon Brown and Alastair Darling as X Factor rejects John and Edward. The text of the poster that appeared on digital billboards in London within hours of the twins eviction reads: ‘Jedward are gone, but we’re still left with deadwood.’
The advert is similar to the campaign ran by the Labour party two weeks ago which pictured Tory leader David Cameron and his shadow chancellor Gordon Brown. Labours advert was accompanied with the message; ‘You won’t be laughing if they win.’
The conservatives latest attempt to spin Jedwards exist in order to gain support was criticised by Labour. A Labour Party spokesman said: "We did this two weeks ago and this shows once again how Labour is leading the way in digital campaigning and the Tories are left scrabbling around playing catch up."
X Factor audience numbers reached a recored high of over 12 million this weekend. Both political parties in the U.K. are using the shows popularity to enhance their public reputation. This is the first time politics has embraced X factor personalities for PR purposes; Could this be a sign of things to come in the future?
Although this is certainly the first time a contestant from the X Factor has been used by a political party it is not the first time a celebrity has beeen associated with a party. From Britney Spears showing her support for George Bush, Bono and Noel Gallagher supporting the Labour party and numerous celebrities supporting the Obama campaign. This seems to be a common aspect within politics as it allows for a party to gain media exposure and enables them to relate with various areas of society that their message may not have reached. However should a party spend time courting celebrity endorsement? Probably not, however it does seem that this is a recurring theme within modern politics and is unlikely to disappear.
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