Over the years, politicians have got used to being interrogated by grizzled inquisitors like Jeremy Paxman and Jon Snow. Although this has provided some memorable sparring, it hasn't always helped to engage younger would-be voters – and can have the opposite effect.

But the web is changing all that. The potential is there to break down barriers between Westminster politicians and younger generations, but has not really been used to its potential.

Until now, perhaps.

Leaders Live, the latest brainwave from the youth democracy movement Bite the Ballot, has – with the help of ITV News and the i newspaper – secured agreement from the leaders of all the major UK parties to take part in live question-and-answer sessions with young people.

Each leader will face both a studio audience and much bigger crowd online.

Each politician has selected three topics for discussion, with a fourth "wildcard" topic to be chosen by people online.

Each of the debates will be available to watch live on the Independent website.

Watch the leader of the Green Party, Natalie Bennett, debate at 6:30 pm on Wednesday 26 November:

Other debates:

Tuesday 2 December, 6.30pm
Nigel Farage, Ukip
EU, Democracy and Immigration

Monday 8 December, 5.30pm
Ed Miliband, Labour
Jobs/Economy, Health and Democracy

Date tbc
David Cameron, Conservatives
Topics tbc

Tuesday 16 December, 7:00pm
Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrats
Health, Education and Jobs/Economy

LeadersLive.co.uk

Twitter: #LeadersLive