TV leaders’ debate: Nicola Sturgeon biggest winner on Facebook from last debate but Cameron still dominates the conversation
Nicola Sturgeon was the big winner on social media, more than doubling her Facebook interactions following the leaders' TV debate.
According to new data released by Facebook, in the six days following the debate which Sturgeon was widely perceived to have won, the number of posts, comments and likes concerning the Scottish first minister rocketed, suggesting she gained the most from the contest.
Ukip leader Nigel Farage achieved the second proportional gains of any of the seven party leaders, with his Facebook interactions soaring by 26 per cent between April 1 and April 7. But in absolute terms, David Cameron still rules the roost on Facebook.
Cameron's interactions rose by 1m over the same period. Cameron continues to dominate the online discourse, with 6.2m interactions since the beginning of the year – three times more than Labour leader Ed Miliband. This is perhaps a reflection of the time and money the Tories have put into beefing up their social media presence.
While Cameron might be the most talked-about leader, Ukip won the contest for most discussed party on Facebook. The anti-Europe party has generated a whopping 9.7m interactions since the beginning of the year.
"As 7 May approaches we’re seeing the conversational election on Facebook get louder," said Elizabeth Linder, Facebook’s politics and government specialist for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
"We’ve seen previously that conversation on Facebook can positively impact voter turnout, and we hope activity on Facebook from all parties has helped raise awareness of the key issues among UK voters," she added.
Tomorrow night the five opposition leaders will go head-to-head in a debate moderated by the BBC's David Dimbleby. Sturgeon will be under pressure to put another good performance and retain the SNP's massive lead over Labour in Scotland.