Conservative attempts to reconnect with younger voters went online on Friday, with the launch of an internet focus group considered the largest in British politics.

Researchers at Central Office have compiled an email database of national, regional and local youth organisations, with over 4000 contacts set to help the party develop its policies.

The organisations will be offered a monthly bulletin, including an online form offering the chance to give their views on policies affecting young people.

Support for the Conservative Party has fallen among the 18 to 24 age group.

Of the five million voters in this category on the electoral register, fewer than two million voted for the Tories, while the party came in third among voters aged between 25 and 34.

There are currently only 10,000 Conservative party members under 30.

The shadow minister for young people, Charles Hendry, said the group would ensure openness in the development of policy.

"This is evidence of our determination to bring as many people and organisations as possible into our policy development process," he said.

"We want to ensure that organisations working with young people are aware of what is happening in Westminster on the issues that affect them and also to offer them every opportunity to give their ideas and expertise.

"We are not bringing these organisations into party politics, but rather seeking to make use of their expertise and understanding to ensure that we are developing policies which are both relevant and practical."