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Gordon Brown Liberal Democrats ITV

Clegg victory in ITV Prime Ministerial debate no surprise

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

April 15, 2010 | 2 min read

Nick Clegg's landslide victory in the very first Prime Ministerial debate did not surprise PR pundits who believed he always had the most to gain.

ITV broadcast the first of the three debates and admitted it had reduced the race to the levels of X-factor after it run a viewers' poll to get instant feedback on the debate.

According to 43% of viewers Clegg was the winner, with David Cameron in second place with 26% and Gordon Brown third with 20%.

The results will no doubt have Tory and Labour strategists reviewing their leaders’ performances in time for the next two debates which will take place on BBC and Sky.

In many ways the result confirmed the predictions of many in the public relations industry, who predicted that Clegg – who is the lowest profile leader, as a result of leading the smallest party – had the most to gain from the debate.

Early estimates suggest that 20 million tuned in to watch the confrontation. Readers of The Drum wanting to pass judgement can do so by voting in our online poll.

Earlier this week, The Drum reported how each party's manifesto would affect the creative and media industries.

Gordon Brown Liberal Democrats ITV

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