Blair: Back door warning

Voters should not see a Labour victory as a foregone conclusion, Tony Blair has warned.

Speaking on Monday the prime minister said the Conservatives had a "backdoor strategy" for achieving government.

Appealing to Labour's heartland vote, he warned that there "is a lot at stake" on Thursday.

"Between now and Thursday, as every day this campaign, we focus on the economy, family prosperity, building up our public services," he said.

"The pundits and the pollsters seem to think this is a foregone conclusion. It is not. Whatever the polls say, in marginal seats... we know we are in a fight."

Blair said the Tory strategy involved stoking up apathy amongst Labour voters.

"We know the Tories are not fighting on their record or on a forward programme. It suits their purpose for people to think they have lost already," he said.

"Because their plan is to get enough of our supporters to stay at home or vote Lib Dem, and get in by the back door."

Unveiling his latest poster campaign, Blair said Labour must trumpet its achievements between now and polling day.

"We have to be alert to the dangers of that back door strategy, put the case for our policies and warn people that unless they come out and vote, there is a risk that Michael Howard and Oliver Letwin, rather than me and Gordon, will be in Number 10 and Number 11 Downing Street on Friday," said the prime minister.

"So economic stability - at risk from the backdoor strategy. Your mortgages and jobs and homes - at risk from the back door strategy.

"The plans we have for more schools and hospitals, more teachers and nurses and doctors and police - at risk from the back door strategy."