The FT reveals that "prominent campaign aides" to William Hague are predicting modest gains for the Conservatives.

Hoping to win 30 seats back from Labour the insiders admit they expect to lose 10 to the Lib Dems - keeping the Conservative Commons contingent below 200 MPs.

An outcome giving Labour a 120 majority may allow Hague to fight on even though its is below the 100 target set by many Tory MPs.

The Tories will today begin a concerted campaign to mobilise the Conservative vote in key constituencies. A military-style programme, dubbed the "Final 72 hours", will see Hague conducting a whirlwind tour of key seats up and down the country.