After a recent dip in sales of their flagship product, Mr Potato Head, Hasbro have announced a cunning new plan to get their spud-toy flying off the shelves in the run up to Christmas 2008.
UK politician and current Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has been selected as the new face of Mr Potato Head and will replace the rather bland, expressionless visage of the toy that has been a kiddies favourite for over 50 years.
Hasbro marketing guru, Arnold Trousers, made the announcement late last week at the Chicago World Toy Fair in Boston. He said "After some lengthy and rather expensive research, we concluded that it was time for a change. We decided we needed a face that conjures up youth, excitement, fun and will scare small puppies, who have traditionally been the primary source of premature destruction of our toys. So we're excited to announce that Gordon is our spud-face for the 21st century".
Mr Brown's press secretary, Marvin Parvin, commented that the PM was delighted to be the 'face for a new generation' and rather lamely added that the PM hoped he would be a 'chip off the old block' in a rather contrived and painful quip.
