Something new is happening in British politics. This image captures what it is | Jonathan Jones

This picture from last night’s TV election debate shows how Britain is headed, in its nuanced way, leftward. No wonder Farage looks lost

Oil paintings are probably the only evidence not introduced by party spin doctors as they tried to claim victory for their leaders – even the ones who weren’t there – after last night’s BBC televised debate of the 2015 general election. Yet looking at the debate’s closing image of Ed Miliband shaking hands with Nicola Sturgeon as Nigel Farage stands isolated to our far right, I cannot help thinking of some grand narrative painting of a moment in history.

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