The Conservatives have stepped up the personal attack on Tony Blair, repeating their claim that he is willing to lie to win the election.

Interviewed in today's Times, Michael Howard says he has personally lost respect for the prime minister because of his repeated lies, and now "despises" him.

The Tories also unveiled a new poster campaign featuring a smirking Blair next to the words: "If he's prepared to lie to take us to war, he's prepared to lie to win an election."

Howard was unapologetic about the poster, which includes language that would be ruled out of order in the House of Commons.

"I'm a very direct person. I say it as it is," he said during a visit to Birmingham last night.

"Character is an issue at this election. It is about trust."

Labour Party strategists believe the Tories' decision to attack Blair in such personal terms shows Howard "has nothing to say" about the voters' main concerns on schools and hospitals.

Labour is also planning a focus on the character, motives and history of the Tory leader in the final stages of the campaign.

A film entitled "Nightmare on Howard Street" will show people dreaming that they have not voted, allowing the Conservatives back into power.