My View: The political wives who are forced to put their best foot forward

As we take part in one of the most closely fought elections for decades, it appears that the state of Sarah Brown's feet is of major significance.

There is no doubt that the political wives will have a bigger part than ever before to play in the fight for Number 10. No longer are they content to be in the shadows, standing dutifully beside their husband, smiling supportively no matter what the outcome.

It was, in fact, Sarah Brown who threw down the gauntlet, speaking out in support of her beleaguered husband at the Labour Party conference, and showing she had far more charisma than he could ever muster.

Following hot on her heels was Sam Cam. The Tory leader's wife rarely misses a photo opportunity. Miriam Clegg, the Lib Dem leader's spouse, seemed to be content to stay out of the fray and gained much credit for doing so, but now seems to be putting her hat in the ring.

While part of me is happier looking at the latest rating in the wives' fashion stakes than reading lengthy manifestos full of promises to be broken, I am left wondering what the heck it has to do with who is fit to govern our country through some of the hardest economic times ever faced. Does it really matter who has worn what when and how much they spent on a particular handbag? And does it matter that the Prime Minister's wife has funny looking feet?

As the parties launch their manifestos this week, it does seem that there are certain people more interested in the state of Sarah Brown's deformed little toe.

The poor woman is more than aware that her feet are less than beautiful and now we all know after she took off her shoes during a visit to a temple in north west London. Okay, she could have slapped on a bit of nail varnish, but there isn't a great deal she can do about her deformed toe, other than have surgery.

But it now seems to have become a major talking point in the Sarah/Sam battle being whipped up. However, it could actually end up being in her favour as foot abnormalities seem rather de rigueur at the moment. What with Posh's bunion, Kate Beckinsale and Mischa Barton's misshapen tootsies, she is in good company.

Alternatively, she could try to get her feet airbrushed to look like perfection. However, it appears that there is now a backlash against these dark photographic arts. Britney Spears has become the latest celeb to go "untouched". In her latest advertising campaign, the 28-year-old singer agreed for before and after shots of her wearing a revealing pink swimsuit to be released, at the same time saying that she was proud of her body as it is. Let's hope this is the start of more realistic times where we are accepted for who we are, funny feet, imperfections and all.