class="type-9999"> 1526: It's time for Tiewatch, our daily look at the neckwear sported by leading politicians. The BBC's fashion insider, Claire Williams, has been busy watching the Daily Politics business spokesmen's debate. She says: "Lord Mandelson is wearing lilac - a softer version of THE classic tie colour worn by political leaders during the economic downturn, and recovery. The SNP's John Swinney is also wearing a purple - a deep violet with a classic white stripe - which is both stylish and business-like. John Thurso of the Lib Dems is looking very dapper in a smart red tie with a diagonal spotted pattern, but with his dark pinstripe suit his outfit would tick more boxes in the boardroom than on the catwalk. Ken Clarke is the fourth person taking part - he's taken a more laidback approach to the whole affair and is modelling a navy tie with a multi-coloured pastel spotted pattern. This, combined with his slightly rumpled suit, shows he's channelling his own brand of relaxed conservatism." More
