Lib Dems launch the most extensive manifesto consultation ever - www.manifesto.libdems.org.uk

4.03.30pm GMT Sat 10th Feb 2007

The Liberal Democrats have launched the most extensive manifesto consultation ever undertaken by a British political party. Every party member can log on to a special website enabling them to contribute to the creation of the manifesto for the next general election.

Key party figures, including party leader Menzies Campbell, Chief of Staff, Edward Davey, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, David Laws, and Chair of the Liberal Democrat Election Manifesto Team, Steve Webb will meet to set out the manifesto's key themes.

The task of preparing the manifesto will be headed by Steve Webb, ahead of a possible snap election in the autumn.

For the next election the Liberal Democrats will produce a web-based interactive manifesto, which will use audio-visual communications as its centrepiece rather than the written word.

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

"The site www.manifesto.libdems.org.uk is all about giving party members a real say in our manifesto for the next General Election.

"Unlike the other parties, we want a genuine conversation, and the manifesto we produce will be better as a result.

"The days of the mass-produced print manifesto are over. Our manifesto for the next election will embrace new technology designed to reach people who have been excluded from the political process for too long."