Lying politicians have greater likelihood of gaining office, study finds

‘This should concern us all given the low levels of trust in politics,’ researchers say

In an experiment, those ‘candidates’ most determined to become leaders were also most likely to break their earlier promises (Getty)

Politicians who lie more may have a greater chance of gaining office, a study suggests.

While the public may value candidates’ trust and legitimacy most highly among their character traits, these factors could prevent a candidate from jumping through the hoops required in some existing electoral systems.

A lab-based election experiment involving 308 people was undertaken by economists at the University of Bath in the UK and the University of Konstanz in Germany, found candidates who progress in politics are those “most prepared to renege on their electoral promises.