Lib Dems turn to Facebook

Campaign input to come via dedicated web pages and social network site, says manifesto manager

Lib Dems turn to internet to canvas members' views

The Liberal Democrats will use the internet to consult members on its election campaign priorities, manifesto group chairman Steve Webb told party conference in Brighton.

Only party members will be able to access the dedicated section of the web site, but broader comments from the general public will be possible from those prepared to claim his "friendship" on social network Facebook.

The announcement was made just days before Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to announce whether he will or will not launch a general election campaign at Labour's gathering in Bournemouth next week.

Webb denied that concern about Mr Brown's intentions must mean the manifesto is to all intents and purposes written already, insisting that policy ideas are continually under devlopment and that "we shall be on line continually to involve our membership more than ever before".