Clegg to phone test policy direction

The Liberal Democrats are set to use a new telephone canvassing system following Nick Clegg's speech to the party conference.

Clegg's chief of staff Danny Alexander told journalists in Bournemouth that the party would call more than 250,000 households in marginal constituencies all over Britain on Wednesday evening.

Alexander said that the call would be introduced by a pre-recorded introduction by Clegg before asking for responses by keypad to Lib Dem policies unveiled at the annual gathering.

Party chief executive and election strategist Lord Rennard had piloted the technology after seeing it used in action by the Democrats in the US.

Alexander said that the technique was being adopted as part of efforts to connect with ordinary voters.

"I want our politics to connect with people again," Clegg said in his speech.

"That's why in the next nine months we’ll knock on a million doors in Britain.

"To speak – face to face – with the people we’re asking to support us.

"It's why tonight we’re calling 250,000 people to hear their views on the challenges facing our country."