Framed! Election 2005 special

With the general election looming and the race for Number 10 becoming harder to call than many expected a few months ago, I've decided to predict the results of the general election by analysing the two main challengers' spectacles.

I'm probably supposed to dedicate equal and fair coverage to the Lib Dems but Charles Kennedy doesn't seem to wear specs. And they won't win anyway. So on to business. What do we know about Howard and Blair?

Fleet Street favourites
Spectacle legend has it that a young barrister, Cherie, used to buy her specs at a rather smart practice on Fleet Street.

When her Prime Minister husband could no longer see the words written in front of him, she dragged him over to her opticians and in the traditional way - I'd like to show my wife before making a decision - helped purchase his spectacles.

For around four years now we have mainly seen our PM (only when he really has to) in a nice pair of Silhouette spectacles. Nothing really wrong with them; in fact, Tony was a bit of a trendsetter in his day. Although it may be time for an update, the PM still seems to favour the same design.

Until 2003, the Rt Hon Michael Howard seem to have followed Trevor McDonald's example for doggedly sticking to the tried and tested (see Framed, January 21). But on his appointment as the leader of the opposition, a new image was required for the former home secretary.