Men '˜turned on by the power of female politicians'

Men who had not previously expressed an interest in politics are suddenly developing a keen interest in “influential and strong” women such as Hilary Clinton, Angela Merkel, Theresa May and Brazil president Dilma Rousseff, according to the study.

More than two-thirds of men questioned said they would like a female politician as a lover, not a partner, with nearly three-quarters saying the “untouchable quality” of a female politician makes them more desirable.

The survey by dating website Victoria Milan said men found the “decisiveness” of politicians stimulating.