After it was revealed that Labour spent just £16,000 on Facebook adverts in the run-up to the General Election, compared to more than a million spent by the Conservatives, Professor Philip Cowley suggests any analysis of election spending should follow the advice of an unusual source. “Facebook is growing in importance, but when we discuss election campaigns, we should remember Deep Throat’s advice: Follow The Money. Out of just over £37 million disclosed yesterday, £15 million went on what the Electoral Commission call ‘unsolicited material to electors’ – leaflets, direct mail and so on… You will have to look hard to find any discussion of the humble leaflet yesterday,” he writes.More »