A BRANSFORD author whose new book shows how the internet can change politics has been praised for being ‘unique’ and ‘breaking new ground’.
Dr Anthony Ridge-Newman researched and wrote Cameron’s Conservatives and the Internet: Change, Culture and Cyber Toryism in a bid to shed some light on whether the online world has affected the Government.
It also gives an analysis of the Conservative party from 2005 to 2014.
Dr Ridge-Newman, born in Bromsgrove and a member of Worcester Conservatives, had first hand experience in the field of politics and was embraced in his academic work by observing the culture of politics.
That research formed the basis of the book, which includes interviews with Tory officials, along with how specific social media and internet technologies changed the subculture within the party.
Professor Tim Bale, leading expert in Conservative party studies, said: “Benefiting from being written from both an academic and an insider perspective, this book effectively outlines the challenges new technology and social media pose to the organisational and campaign hierarchy that has traditionally characterised the Conservative party.”
Michael Fabricant, Tory MP for Litchfield, added: “Anthony Ridge-Newman’s well-researched book is prime reading for anyone interested in the changing nature of the Conservative party since the expansion of the internet in British politics.”
