Liberal Democrats are more likely than supporters of other parties to be fans of Doctor Who, Star Trek and other sci-fi-shows

The latest research from pollsters YouGov has thrown up an unusual confluence: Liberal Democrats are more likely than supporters of other parties to be science fiction fans.

One study found 41% of Lib Dem supporters were fans of Doctor Who, compared with 31% of the general population. And compiling the 100 favourite TV programmes for supporters of each of the main parties threw up no fewer than 17 sci-fi shows for Lib Dem supporters, but only six for Labour and two for Conservatives. Intriguingly, Lib Dems also bucked the national trend of preferring Star Wars over Star Trek, with 36% of supporters favouring Captain Kirk and co.

On his blog, Lib Dem assembly member for South West Wales Peter Black (one of the few party members to openly list sci-fi among his interests) professed himself "very excited" about the findings. He understandably opts for the "big picture" part of YouGov's conclusion: "Is this evidence of the Liberal Democrat ability to think big, and imagine a better world in the future? Is it true that 'Science Fiction is a crutch for people who can't handle reality'? Or is it the other way round …"

Before the coalition, unkind commentators might have leapt at the chance to use this survey as evidence of the Lib Dems being the party of geeks, lost in a black hole of unwinnable seats, with fantasy polices that would only work in a galaxy far, far away. But the Lib Dems' rise to power has coincided with huge ratings for science fiction – for better or worse, they are both more mainstream than ever.

If Nick Clegg really wants to speak to the geek vote, though, he could do far worse than channel Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey the next time the PM puts him in a tight spot – "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that."