Lib Dems are creating an innovation department and database

Ed Davey, chair of the party's campaigns and communications committee, urged voters to be contacted through emails, blogging and texts.

He also outlined plans to form an innovation department and database.

"More people use the internet than voted at the last general election," he told the party's Brighton conference.

E-campaigning

In a rallying cry to Lib Dem members, Mr Davey claimed that they could "win at the next election anywhere in Britain if we do the right things now".

He said while Labour and the Conservatives were becoming "localised" parties, the Lib Dems "were becoming Britain's party".

Liberal Democrats must be a movement ... that inspires people to act in politics for the first time Ed Davey

He contrasted leader Sir Menzies Campbell's Olympic record with Tony Blair, who he described as "a prime minister who cannot control his generals", while his deputy "cannot control his privates".

The Conservative leader also came in for criticism. "You can't say Cameron doesn't stand for anything because he'll stand for anything you like," Mr Davey jibed.

Turning to next year's local elections, he told members that they must concentrate on community politics, through e-campaigning, and not just on electoral victory.

"Liberal Democrats must be a movement ... that inspires people to act in politics for the first time," he said.

The 18 to 25 year age group's internet usage was 81%, with the web being their main source of news.

Power to the people

He said these people - he dubbed a typical one "Online Ollie" - were seldom canvassed, yet they surfed the net and were likely to have two or more e-mail addresses and use text messaging.

E-campaigning could reach out beyond the Lib Dems target seats, he argued, especially as the party has to campaign with less cash than its competitors.