MPs from all three main parties have been taking part in a skipping contest. David Davies is currently top with 348 skips in two minutes, while Chris Huhne languishes at the bottom with only 27 (though to be fair, he probably has other things on his mind). The challenge is part of the Skip2bfit initiative, which encourages children to get healthier. Videos of the skipping challenge show MPs trying valiantly to maintain a vestige of dignity, with varying degrees of success. George Osborne is clearly not a man familiar with the skipping rope, while Nick Clegg skips with the energy of someone not weighed down by the animosity of a nation.

Why do our politicians agree to involve themselves so actively in these campaigns? Why not campaign for healthier kids, but retain their pride by refusing to pick up the skipping rope themselves? These PR stunts are almost always ripe for mockery by the media, and don't normally endear these sweaty middle-aged men to the public. Watching Osborne bounce up and down awkwardly does not instil confidence in his economic abilities. He'd be better visiting those public services that he's so intent on cutting and listening to the people affected than to spend his time being prepped by advisers on how best to smile at schoolchildren without scaring them.

Do politicians embarrassing themselves help you see their human side more easily? Does it influence your vote if you see MPs pretending to get down with the kids? Or are you bored by these awkward displays and wish that our culture didn't require such endeavours? Maybe you just want a laugh at Ed Balls trying not to fall over. Let us know in the comments below.