I often talk about how politicians can use new media to connect better to Party members. Here’s an enterprising Tory who has set up Tory Radio, an online radio station dedicated to doing just that. In the spirit of Tories online, here’s Iain Dale  interviewing him on Telegraph TV.

As a media junkie I’m fascinated by mapping influence online. Powerful sources are emerging in the field of politics. We’ve explored previously the extent to which the Conservative Party and its supporters/sympathisers have organised in a far more effective way than their Left/Liberal counterparts.

Westminster circles were buzzing yesterday because ConservativeHome and Guido Fawkes had joined forces (swapping research, swapping sources, referencing each other) to uncover the expenses sleaze of a succession of Tory MEPs and the mobilise as a block to force David Cameron to kick them out of the Party.

Bloggers calling for blood is nothing new but ConHome and Guido have relied on Tory HQ briefings to give them so much information, access and help with sleaze investigations into the government, which has built their profile and muscle. Was this their way of demonstrating that they are in no way in Cameron’s pocket? That they are attack dogs who will turn on the powerful whichever Party flag they fly?

Or was this another Tory HQ sponsored attack on some problematic MEPs? Not sure yet but will find out….. 

Always thoughtful and never boring, Mike is one of the true ‘big beasts’ of NW radio. He’s recently returned from 10 years on London’s Capital Radio. Here and here he tells us why he went to London and what he thinks of the state of radio, specifically in the north west and what to do about finding new talent.

Mike has just started presenting Drivetime on the newly launched Rock Radio in Manchester.