Celebrities bigger influence on young girls than politicians

Jun 8 2008 By Beverley Rouse

VICTORIA BECKHAM is a bigger influence on young girls than Gordon Brown, according to research out yesterday.

A poll found celebrities shape the opinions of 42 per cent of females aged 10 to 25, with only two per cent inspired by politicians.

The former Posh Spice holds most sway, said 35 per cent of those surveyed, followed by X Factor winner Leona Lewis, model Kate Moss and singer Amy Winehouse.

A staggering 44 per cent of the girls quizzed said they could name more WAGS than female politicians - and 32 per cent believe the latter do not keep girls well informed about issues.

Another 24 per cent claimed celebrities influenced the way girls think they should look.

Of the 650 girls polled - all members of Girlguiding UK - 72 per cent considered friends the biggest influence on them.

Family were a close second on 63 per cent.

Lizzi Fricker, Girlguiding UK peer educator, said: "Traditional sources of information - for example from politicians - are just not effective in reaching today's girls."