Howard: Poll position

As the election campaign enters the home straight Michael Howard has said he is "very confident" about his poll prospects.

Unveiling an eight point action plan for government, the Tory leader dismissed suggestions that he has already conceded defeat.

Despite failing to secure a breakthrough in the opinion polls, the latest of which gives Labour a continuing lead, Howard remains upbeat.

"I believe our message is getting across. People know what is needed for the future of our country and they have a very clear choice on Thursday," he said.

The opposition leader said Tony Blair was attempting to "cling on to office".

"That's the limit of his vision. My hope is for a better Britain. A new chapter. A chapter of hope. A chapter of action. A chapter of achievement," he added.

Meanwhile, a YouGov poll in the Telegraph put Labour on 36 per cent, the Conservatives on 33 per cent and the Liberal Democrats on 24 per cent.