Michael Howard has claimed the Conservatives are dominating the election campaign and ready for government.

The Tory leader told his party's spring conference on Saturday that Labour is "rattled" by Opposition attacks and resorting to desperate tactics.

Buoyed by improved opinion poll showings and direct hits on Tony Blair on issues such as immigration, council tax and health since the new year, Howard gave an upbeat message to Tory troops in Brighton.

"The Conservative Party is dominating the agenda," he said.

"The Conservative Party is now, for the first time in many years, in a position to restore principle to government, to stand up for common sense and to put people's priorities first.

"Since the beginning of this year - election year - we've been making the political weather."

With Labour resorting to negative tactics, he added: "Something tells me that someone, somewhere out there, is just a little bit rattled.

"They will do anything, say anything, claim anything to cling to office at all costs."

Howard also defended his use of personal cases to highlight failures in the public services.

He denied health secretary John Reid's claim that cases such as Margaret Dixon were "human shields".

"She is not a human shield, Mr Blair," the Conservative chief said.

"She is a human being. Margaret Dixon deserves to be treated with respect, not dismissed as a soundbite."

He concluded that after eight years in Opposition the Tories are now ready for office.

"In a matter of weeks the British people will face a clear choice," Howard said.

"If you want higher taxes, if you want to give Brussels control of our asylum system and if you don't believe in the mandatory life sentence for murder - then you are quite right to vote Liberal Democrat.

"When you go into that polling booth you could pick up that pencil and vote for five more years of Tony Blair. Five more years heading in the wrong direction.

"Or you can vote for a new government and a new direction. A government that has a clear timetable for action. A government that is accountable. A government that stands up for real people  the people who've been let down by Mr Blair.

"It's time for change. It is time for tomorrow. It is time for action."