Tories look to internet in poll battle

conclusion, to the extent that this General Election is going to be more widely fought on the Internet through blogs and websites .

“It was pioneered by Barack Obama very successfully in America, where videos were made available on the Internet and will hopefully go on a number of prominent websites. We’re hoping to raise a substantial amount of money.”

The video features Mr Calvert talking about Mr Portillo’s defeat and claiming there is a “really good” chance of defeating Mr Balls before turning some of the Cabinet Minister’s own quotes against him. It ends with the request for money, which viewers can pledge through a secure website.

Although Morley and Outwood, a new seat where Mr Balls has a notional majority of 9,784, was not on the Tories’ original target list, senior party figures are well aware of its significance.

The Tories are also aware that the harder they push Mr Balls, the more they may be able to divert Labour efforts from other neighbouring constituencies high up their target list.

Jayne Hill, campaign co-ordinator for Morley and Outwood Constituency Labour Party, said: “It’s surprising that the Conservative candidate has to travel to America to learn that a good campaign relies on local people volunteering their time and donating small amounts of money – it’s the way we’ve always campaigned round here.”

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