Jeremy Corbyn looks to Bernie Sanders for 'digital manifesto' inspiration

credit - Press Association

Jeremy Corbyn will today claim that Labour is "leading the way" in using technology to enhance its electoral prospects, as he lays out his ‘digital democracy manifesto’.

The Labour leader’s digital strategy has been “inspired” by the campaign of US senator and unsuccessful Democrat presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, Corbyn will say in a speech.

Corbyn’s leadership campaigns have already used innovative technologies, such as an app which allowed his supporters to canvass Labour members from their own phones rather than attending dedicated phone banks, modelled on Sanders’ approach.

“My leadership campaign is leading the way in harnessing the advances of new technology to organise political campaigning like we've never seen before,” he will say in East London.

“The creativity of the networked young generation is phenomenal. We have thousands of young volunteers on our campaign taking part in this digital revolution.

“We will channel this new energy and creativity into Labour's General Election campaign whenever it comes, it's in this way that Labour can get back into Government.

“Labour under my leadership will utilise the advances of digital technology to mobilise the most visible General Election campaign ever.”

Alongside his proposals for Labour to make greater use of technology, Corbyn will set out a £25bn plan to extend high-speed fibre across the UK. The funding would form part of his already announced plans for £500bn infrastructure investment if he becomes prime minister.

A “digital bill of rights” and “digital citizen passport” to cover people’s interactions with public services online would also be introduced, he will say.

He will argue that online platforms should be used to open up the democratic process and make it “easy and inclusive” for people to contribute to debates.

“There is also a clear need for more online democracy and our manifesto today sets out how Labour would democratise the internet in order to rebuild and transform Britain, so that no one and no community is left behind,” Corbyn will add.