THE USA elections could have profound consequences for British foreign policy, politics and the economy, says a Huddersfield University lecturer.

Senior politics lecturer Andrew Mycock says the outcome of November’s presidential election could determine how long British forces remain in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dr Mycock believes Republican John McCain is most likely to win his party’s nomination for president while Barack Obama set to represent the Democrats.

This week Illinois senator Obama triumphed over rival Hillary Clinton in Wisconsin and Hawaii to make it 10 wins out of 10.

Mr Mycock said: “The election is of huge importance to Britain especially with US foreign policy.

“Potentially Obama or McCain will have deep implications for Gordon Brown.

“John McCain is against withdrawal and more geared towards Bush.”

Dr Mycock said the style of American campaigning could again influence British election politics.

He says: “Bill Clinton’s approach to campaigning was clearly reflected in that of New Labour.

“Negative campaigning in the US has decreased and that could have implications on UK election campaigns.

“The Conservatives and Labour have advisors in the USA who will be observing the American campaign.

And while Dr Mycock said both Obama and McCain favour a more insular US economy, the consequences for the UK could be far reaching.

He said: “If we see the USA turn towards a more insular foreign policy it will have greater implication on the UK.

“The USA is the UK’s biggest export market and there’s been noises from both sides for the USA to become a more protectionist economy.”