Which MP would you sleep with? I only ask because by now we've all seen the website (sexymp.co.uk) where you get to vote for which MP you would sleep with when given the choice of two.

The website is nothing new. It's an old concept applied to a different arena. But the result has been... predictable: outrage!

Ok, outrage with a dash of good humour. For some it's a bit of a joke. Something to take with a pinch of salt and a smirk. But for others it's a shocking example of [insert politically correct dilemma here].

And yet, for all its simplicity the site reminds us of something we're far too reluctant to admit. Looks matter.

Studies show that attractive people get treated better in day-to-day life than less attractive people. It's not a matter which is open to debate. We have preferences. And we act on them.

In politics, as in any other pursuit in life, it doesn't hurt to be pleasing on the eye (just consider Kennedy vs Nixon debating one another on television). Those who deny it are denying a truth which cannot be refuted.

Sexymp.co.uk may be a bit of fun. But the underlying point, that looks matter, is deadly serious.

Tags: Sexy MP