Michael Howard attempted to rouse party supporters at a 1,000-strong rally yesterday.

At the Conservative Party's final big rally before election day the Tory leader was given filmed introductions by senior shadow Cabinet figures and the audience were shown a video of Howard during the campaign.

The Times says the build-up had "shades of Neil Kinnock's triumphalist Labour Party rally in Sheffield before he lost in 1992".

In his speech, Howard said: "Mr Blair, time is up," and then offered a passage of rhyme.

"People have had enough of spin and smirk, they just want someone who'll make things work," he said.