Cartoonist turns to canvas to connect with 'God-like' politicians

Sam Hopkinson, who goes by the name of Samceeh when executing his craft, has produced Politipiggle - a project portraying politicians on the canvas.

One of his chosen figures is Conservative candidate for Warrington South, David Mowat, following Mr Hopkinson's frustration with his 'lack of connection' with the 58-year-old in the past.

Mr Mowat joins a select group of individuals including Labour's shadow chancellor Ed Balls, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and broadcaster Jeremy Paxman - each whom have a message depicted under their portrait.

The message displayed under Mr Mowat's picture is simple yet meaningful in the eyes of the cartoonist and reads 'David is MP of my constituency. I know nothing about him, and don't care'.

"Politipiggle is aimed to show the people for what they truly are, just mere outlines of people," said Mr Hopkinson, who now lives in London.

"The way we see political figures in the media is somewhat like characters that are in a pantomime.

"Politicians can say something in the morning and by the evening others have given their biased views - we are bombarded by all of what is said."

The project arose through Mr Hopkinson's job at media intelligence firm Gorkana but it was not long before he devoted more and more time to the skill to add an element of interest to politics.

"I read a lot of articles throughout the day when I am at work so am taking in a lot of information," he said.

"From reading I could see the way that politicians are represented to us.

"It is something that I liked doing but does take a lot of time sometimes."

With just three weeks remaining until candidates across the town find out their fate, some could be in for a surprised from Mr Hopkinson.

"It is really tiring so I have eased off it a little bit recently but I would certainly consider producing more portraits from the figures in the town," he added.