We all know how the internet removes barriers to entry in business and commerce. Fewer appreciate how it is likely to do the same to politics, too. Rob Colvile clearly does with his excellent new paper on "Politics, Policy and the Internet".
The internet "aggregates" - brings together - likeminded people, and spreads ideas. But more revolutionary, it democratises communication. Its no longer some remote BBC producer who decides if I get air time, or if a story merits coverage. For example, about one in ten households in my constituency have signed up for a regular communication linking them direct to sites like this or locally-made YouTube posted bulletins. Perhaps, we are near the stage when you'll no longer need a big, expensive (taxpayer funded?) corporate party machine (in London) to communicate with voters.
The mood of anti-politics, coupled with a desire for politics that is authentic, local and particular, means that established political parties, and Establishment politicians, need to watch out ....
