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Leaders offer festive variety Leaders offer festive variety
(about 4 hours later)
Gordon Brown has chosen a snow-covered picture of No 10 while David Cameron opted for a relaxed family portrait.Gordon Brown has chosen a snow-covered picture of No 10 while David Cameron opted for a relaxed family portrait.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, meanwhile, derived his inspiration from a seven-year old boy in his constituency.Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, meanwhile, derived his inspiration from a seven-year old boy in his constituency.
Every year the crop of Christmas cards sent by party leaders is analysed for subliminal political messages and this year is likely to be no different.Every year the crop of Christmas cards sent by party leaders is analysed for subliminal political messages and this year is likely to be no different.
The contrast between the prime minister's card and that of his opposite number is strikingly clear.The contrast between the prime minister's card and that of his opposite number is strikingly clear.
Despite a difficult year, the Treasury still appears full of Christmas cheerDespite a difficult year, the Treasury still appears full of Christmas cheer
On his second Christmas in Downing Street, and in contrast to the trend set by his predecessor, Mr Brown does not feature in his card.On his second Christmas in Downing Street, and in contrast to the trend set by his predecessor, Mr Brown does not feature in his card.
Instead, it shows an image of his front door - one of the most recognisable in the country - intended perhaps as a symbol of power and authority during troubled times.Instead, it shows an image of his front door - one of the most recognisable in the country - intended perhaps as a symbol of power and authority during troubled times.
It has been reported that the proceeds of the card will go to Maggies Cancer Caring Centres, a charity supported by the prime minister and his wife Sarah. Alec Salmond's card celebrates a key Scottish industry and community focusIt has been reported that the proceeds of the card will go to Maggies Cancer Caring Centres, a charity supported by the prime minister and his wife Sarah. Alec Salmond's card celebrates a key Scottish industry and community focus
Mr Brown told Labour's party conference earlier this year that he was a private man who would never use his children as "props".Mr Brown told Labour's party conference earlier this year that he was a private man who would never use his children as "props".
The Conservative leader has said the public has a right to know about his family life as he is aspiring to become PM.The Conservative leader has said the public has a right to know about his family life as he is aspiring to become PM.
His card puts them centre stage with Mr Cameron sitting alongside his wife Samantha and their children after a party at his home.His card puts them centre stage with Mr Cameron sitting alongside his wife Samantha and their children after a party at his home.
Nick Clegg sought the help of children in his Sheffield constituency for his card, holding a competition to design the image. Nick Clegg sought the help of children in his Sheffield constituency for his card, which saw Archie Noble win a competition to design the image
Plaid Cymru appears to be sending a message about the beauty of WalesPlaid Cymru appears to be sending a message about the beauty of Wales
This is Mr Clegg's first fully-fledged festive effort as he was elected leader just days before last year's festivities and, as a result, his card was not widely circulated.This is Mr Clegg's first fully-fledged festive effort as he was elected leader just days before last year's festivities and, as a result, his card was not widely circulated.
With the economic downturn at the back of most people's minds this Christmas, it is not surprising that many cards opt for comforting or reassuring images.With the economic downturn at the back of most people's minds this Christmas, it is not surprising that many cards opt for comforting or reassuring images.
After a difficult year for the nation's finances, the Santa on the Treasury's card looks full of festive cheer if slightly weather beaten.After a difficult year for the nation's finances, the Santa on the Treasury's card looks full of festive cheer if slightly weather beaten.
The Treasury's card was designed by 14-year Ryan Bogues from Northern Ireland, who has Down's Syndrome, and was chosen by the chancellor and his wife following a competition.
Proceeds from the card are to go to Down Syndrome Education International.
Elsewhere, politicians in Scotland and Wales have chosen images evoking beautiful landscapes and community themes.Elsewhere, politicians in Scotland and Wales have chosen images evoking beautiful landscapes and community themes.
The Blair family on a Christmas card from 2002The Blair family on a Christmas card from 2002
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond's card features a new painting by the celebrated Scottish artist John Bellany.Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond's card features a new painting by the celebrated Scottish artist John Bellany.
The painting, depicting fishing boats returning to Macduff harbour, will go on display next year before being auctioned.The painting, depicting fishing boats returning to Macduff harbour, will go on display next year before being auctioned.
Plaid Cymru, meanwhile, has chosen an appropriately wintery image of Llantysilio Mountain in Denbighshire.Plaid Cymru, meanwhile, has chosen an appropriately wintery image of Llantysilio Mountain in Denbighshire.
Celebrating his first year in City Hall, London mayor Boris Johnson has opted for something a bit different.Celebrating his first year in City Hall, London mayor Boris Johnson has opted for something a bit different.
He has chosen Henri Matisse's painting The Adoration of The Shepherds to illustrate his seasonal offering.He has chosen Henri Matisse's painting The Adoration of The Shepherds to illustrate his seasonal offering.