Brown & Cameron: social media buddies? Source: Telegraph.co.uk

With social media becoming an increasingly popular tool, it seemed inevitable that 2010’s general election would see parties employing some elements within campaign strategy; however the degree to which it has been embraced by each candidate could not have been anticipated, resulting in it being dubbed: “the first word-of-mouth election”.

In run up to this year’s general election, tech-savvy politicians can be seen unashamedly flexing their weight of knowledge in this latest communication tool, across the worldwide web.

Labour has pre-emptively armed party members with new-media training, ensuring a smooth execution of this newest tactic; and with daily online video podcasts from senior campaign politicians, as well as real-time Twitter feedback, it is not surprising that such rigorous preparation has been undertaken.

Alongside this, Labour has cleverly optimised traffic to its own website using Google Adwords, resulting in constituents who are searching hot debate topics – such as: the economy, education and employment – are driven here primarily, receiving Labour’s take on the subject first.

While the Conservative party, not wanting to disappoint, have released an iPhone app, where users can receive a continuous flow  of up-to-date news on campaign progress, as well as takes on legislation, public policy and party memorandums.

Modern day constituents are demanding more transparency from MPs, social media offers a platform to achieve this. If these latest campaigns are anything to go by, it would appear that politicians are beginning to recognise and appreciate social media as a credible and effective communication channel, key to winning any election.

- Lydia Cambata

NB. Umpf has no affiliation to any political party, with the above comments regarding social media, rather than the efficiencies of one party’s campaign over another.