The main parties are planning to import some of the methods and messages from the American presidential election, reports the Times.

Drawing on the Democrat campaign, the Queen’s Speech is being drawn up around the same twin themes of "opportunity and security".

The Liberal Democrats were impressed by the visual effect of Bush's election rallies.

Lord Razzall, the Lib Dem campaign chief, said: "The TV pictures were stunning, Bush always looked like he was in amphitheatre of cheering supporters. I am sure all parties will want to learn how they did that."