Digital democracy innovator hired by Conservatives

The Conservative Party has hired digital democracy innovator Tom Steinberg in a bid to make operations more efficient and to use technology to increase transparency.

Mr Steinberg previously founded mySociety, which specialises in creating websites specifically designed to enhance democracy in the UK and which allows people to keep track of their local MPs more easily, reports the BBC.

The Conservatives plan to use technology to reveal details of all government spending over £25,000 and to enable the public to discuss new legislation before MPs debate it.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Frances Maude told the BBC: "Trust in politics is at an all time low and by making central government transparent and accountable we can start to fix our broken politics."

He praised Mr Steinberg for developing new ways for people to engage with politics through the internet.

Broadband web connections help improve the efficiency of businesses throughout the UK, while VoIP solutions can help save more money through low-cost or even free internet-based phone calls.