Michael Howard has said he has faith in the power of government to "make a difference for the better".

In a speech on Thursday, the Conservative leader also said that he viewed himself as - "more than anything" - a public servant.

The comments came as he paid tribute to the hard work of public sector professionals.

Speaking at a conference organised by the Guardian, Howard added that the government should give more responsibility to nurses, doctors, teachers and police officers.

"I know you wouldn't expect me to count the Guardian as my favourite morning reading," he said.

"But then you wouldn't have expected Nixon to go to China, De Gaulle to decolonise Algeria or Margaret Thatcher to be the first western leader to sound the warning on global warning."

Howard said that it was a curiosity of politics that "it is often Conservatives who are the real radicals".

"Time and again it is politicians from the centre right who can see where an old consensus no longer works and liberate people to establish a new one," he said.

"When it comes to innovation, the Guardian has an estimable record. Not least in its coverage of the public sector.

"I particularly welcome the space you devote to reporting and analysing change in our public services.

"Because I think of myself, more than anything, as a public servant.

"I have faith in the power of government, exercising its responsibilities properly, to make a difference for the better."

The Tory leader said that governments "don't have all the answers" but added that "if they govern with the right values, they can make a real difference".

"And one overwhelmingly important value for government is honouring public service," he said.

"Teaching, nursing, becoming a doctor or police constable - these are noble careers.

"More than that, they are professions worthy of respect."

Howard paid tribute to teachers who inspire the next generation, health professionals who cure the sick and police officers who build safer communities.

"We should trust these professionals to exercise their common sense and their judgement – to follow their instincts," he said.