WELWYN Hatfield Labour candidate Mike Hobday was keen to look past the headlines, which today are declaring virtually in unison that Nick Clegg’s performance was the stand out one last night.

And his verdict on last night’s prime ministerial debate? “Substance over style” from PM Gordon Brown for him.

Mr Hobday said: “I think what it showed is while Gordon Brown might not be the flashiest of individuals, he has a deep commitment to making Britain a fairer country.

“He has sound economic policies to help us continue to get out of the economic recession.”

Mr Hobday added: “Labour might not have won on style, but i think we did very well on substance.”