Labour Party extends online reach through social networks

by Dan Leahul, Brand Republic 05-Feb-09, 11:30

LONDON - The Labour Party is logging onto Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch with its constituents, using a new system which integrates Labour MP websites into social networks.

The new campaign, created by Labour's digital agency Tangent One, enables MPs to upload communication targeted at their constituents on Facebook, Twitter and through email.

Labour members will regularly update their "status" to keep their constituents informed of their movements.

Tangent One has drafted a manual on how to best interact with the public on social networking sites, which Labour MPs are reading up on this week.

Tom Watson MP, said: "This is a great initiative that will make it easier for Labour MPs to engage with their constituents online."

Currently there are only around a dozen Labour MPs who Twitter including David Lammy (@DavidLammyMP), Kerry McCarthy (@KerryMP) and Tom Harris (@tomharris1964).

Watson leads the way with 1628 followers, while Lammy has 435.

Last month, the Labour Party unveiled LabourList.org, a social network for Labour members and Labourspace.com, an online Party soapbox, as part of its new digital strategy.

Read Gordon's Republic blog: Labour Party wakes up to social media.