Following rock star, Pete Doherty's notorious drug problems, Tory Leader, Michael Howard has urged popstars and celebrities to be positive role models to children. In his recent party policy speech on drugs, Mr Howard called into question the recent media attention surrounding My Doherty.

"Here you have a man who takes drugs and gets locked up - yet ends up on the front pages," said Howard.

"Today, more than ever, we need responsible role models for our children-professional athletes prepared to say drugs are wrong, pop stars willing to say drugs aren't cool, actors who make clear that drugs ruin lives," he said. "Because we all know that youngsters are more influenced than ever before by the celebrities they see on TV, the musicians they listen to and who are featured in magazines."

The politician added that the media should not glorify drug use. "Some in the media give the impression that drug-taking is cool - is it any wonder that children believe this?" asked Howard. "I think many parents will have been rather surprised by the celebrity coverage given to Peter Doherty over the last month."

Howard's words came on the day that Conservative MP Nigel Evans introduced a Private Members Bill which would give drug dealers an automatic seven-year minimum sentence on their third hard drugs conviction.

The Tory leader gave his full support to the Bill and also said that, if elected, his party would move cannabis back to the status of a class B drug.

Max Carlish, the documentary filmmaker who was reported assaulted by Mr Doherty, has also warned of the effects of glamourising Mr Doherty, in a sprawling feature in last week’s Guardian (February 25th): "His fans were, and still are, in love with both the music and the image. The last time this happened was with Kurt Cobain."

Mr Doherty, himself, is currently released on $150,000 bail after facing charges of assault and blackmail. He is undergoing drug rehabilitation and is under a 2200-0700 curfew.