IMAGE: FLICKR, ERIC HOSSINGER
As the United Kingdom gears up for the general election in May, we're excited to find out what role social media is going to play in the inevitable wider media frenzy.
At the time of the last election, in 2010, the UK was seeing a dramatic rise in social media usage, but the traditional media of television and print were more influential in deciding the ultimate outcome.
This year however, everything could change. Although the relatively new TV debates will help influence millions, more could be decided by digital communications and actions than ever before.
With 66% of online adults in the UK signed up to at least one social network, and 60% of UK users visiting social sites more than once a day, what happens online will arguably have a massive impact on how things go offline.
In order for you to keep up with the social media activities of all the major political parties involved in the forthcoming Westminster elections, we have curated — in alphabetical order — a useful list of all the official Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts so you can follow, like or subscribe to the parties that interest you.
The Conservative Party
The centre-right Tory party is the UK's largest, currently governing Britain in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The party's one-liner going into the 2015 elections is the promise of a "long-term economic plan which builds a stronger, healthier economy and secures a better future for Britain."
The Tories are on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can find incumbent prime minister and party leader David Cameron's Twitter account here.
Green Party
The comparatively small Green Party currently has just one elected member of parliament, but claims rapidly growing membership and support. It says it "promotes the policies of ecological sustainability, a fairer more stable economy and a more equal society."
The Green Party is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Australian-born Natalie Bennett, the Green Party leader, can be found on Twitter here.
Liberal Democrats
Currently in coalition rule with the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats are campaigning under the “Stronger Economy, Fairer Society” slogan. The social-liberal party is the third-largest in the UK, but has suffered considerable losses in local elections since joining the Tories in power.
The Lib Dems' social media accounts encompass Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Current deputy prime minister and party leader Nick Clegg is on Twitter here.
The Labour Party
The second-largest political party in the UK, Labour has kicked off its election campaign in modern style, complete with a hashtag — #forthemany. The centre-left party governed Britain from 1997 to 2010, and is looking for a return to power in 2015 under leader Ed Miliband.
The Official Opposition party can be visited on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. It also runs an Instagram account. Miliband tweets here.
Plaid Cymru/Party of Wales
Working toward an independent Wales, Plaid Cymru "wants to build a nation that thrives and prospers as a result of its own strong and sustainable economy with excellent schools and first-class health care."
The Party of Wales, a.k.a. Plaid, is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Its current leader is Leanne Wood who can be found on Twitter here.
Scottish National Party
The Scottish National Party wants an independent Scotland. Although it suffered defeat in 2014’sScottish independence referendum, it now has a new leader ready for a fresh fight. The SNP will be looking to capitalise on the patriotism the vote aroused in the country, but seats taken from Labour will ultimately be helping the Conservatives back in Westminster.
The SNP can be found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The party’s new leader and first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, can be found on Twitter here.
UK Independence Party
The controversial right-wing UK Independence Party is led by the equally controversial Nigel Farage. If elected, the party would leave the European Union and limit immigration. The party has enjoyed considerable success in recent local and European elections.
