So much for digital democracy and the new politics of ‘clicktivism’. What happened when rank and file supporters of the left-of-centre online campaign 38 Degrees voted the wrong way on backing UK air strikes against Iraq? The group’s right on ruling clique ignored the majority and said there was “no consensus”. Actually, if you look past the mathematical sleight of hand, of those who expressed preference 51.7% were in favour of air strikes – an absolute majority.

“38 Degrees belongs to all 38 Degrees members. Right now there isn’t a clear consensus among us on what we want to happen. So that means 38 Degrees won’t be campaigning in either direction.”

Yeah, right. Despite all the obfuscation this is a classic example of top down politics, where those at the top ignore the democratic will of those below. Just like with the EU, if they don’t get the result they want, they ignore it…