More than 10,000 online games players in the last week have voted with their game guns in a virtual battle, as an alternative to the election.

Players are hunting down Hague and blowing away Blair during an online quest to reach Number10, using a new version of one of the most successful multi-player, online games.

Hi2, an online gaming specialist based at Harwell Innovation Centre, has recreated Tony Blair, William Hague and Charles Kennedy as characters in Unreal Tournament - a 'shoot 'em up' online game in which multiple players connected to the Internet can eliminate one another. Plus there is a John Prescott - for whom the Protestor is no match.

Tony Blair, as featured on the siteBrad Burton, sales and marketing director at Hi2, said: "The election has been called and most people see the leaders' constant quibbling, kissing babies and meeting the public as a bit of a charade.

"We think an Internet battle for leadership is a fun alternative to the usual election campaigning and will provide a virtual poll of who would really lead the country with an iron fist."

Any one can play the new version by visiting www.onlinegames.net and clicking on the Election Special button to gain a free download.