The Sun's editorial warns politicians that "pop idols staggering success has its serious side". The tabloid argues that as more young people voted for the TV pop show's contenders Will and Gareth than either Tony Blair or William Hague at the last general election politics has something to learn from the "professionalism" of show biz programme makers and manufactured pop stars.

The Electoral Commission is today launching an advertising campaign to encourage more people to vote, aimed at the 18 to 24 age group.