The artist behind a controversial reconstruction of peace campaigner Brian Haw's Iraq war protest emerged as the favourite to win the Turner Prize after a shortlist with a strong political flavour was unveiled -yesterday.

Politics dominated the work of all four artists - Zarina Bhimji, Nathan Coley, Mike Nelson and Mark Wallinger - shortlisted for the £25,000 award. The political themes will no doubt spark debate over the controversial prize, which has seen BritArt enfant terrible Damien Hirst win in 1995 with a pickled sheep and three years later Chris Ofili pick up the award for his work made of elephant dung.