Cameron welcomes Conservative 'change'

More than 90 per cent of Conservative members have backed David Cameron's policy revamp, although turnout in the ballot was just 26.7 per cent.

The Tory leader said the result "confirms that the party has changed".

Tuesday's announcement indicated broad acceptance of the statement of party aims and values published earlier this summer.

However, turnout in the ballot is likely to be seen as reflecting the broadly uncontroversial nature of most of the document's statements.

Some 60,859 members, 92.7 per cent of those voting, gave their backing to the document.

And just 4,787, some 7.3 per cent, said they were against.

"Today's result confirms that the party has changed. It shows that Conservatives support the vital changes that we have made over the last nine months," said Cameron.

"Those changes are clear. For example, we will put economic stability and fiscal responsibility ahead of promises to cut taxes.

"Protecting the environment and tackling climate change will be given equal prominence to public services and the economy.

"We will improve public services for all, rather than promote opt outs for a few.

"The test for all our policies will be how they help the most disadvantaged in society. We will take action so that our party reflects Britain as it is today, not Britain as it was.

"Ours is a message of change, optimism and hope. Our aims and values are as relevant now as they have ever been and this vote demonstrates that they are built to last."