Howard concedes Tories may not win election

Michael Howard appeared to concede for the first time today that his party may not win the general election.

He said: "If my party want me to do that, and I think I can continue to make a contribution, then yes I will." Until now, Mr Howard has refused to contemplate losing the general election, expected in May.

He has insisted his party can oust Labour, despite little evidence of progress in the opinion polls.

The apparent shift in position came in an interview on Radio 4's Today programme today.

Mr Howard said his level of support within the party, and his own morale, would be the key "tests" that would apply in any decision over whether he should remain leader.

He added: "But I am working very hard to win this election. There is no substitute for victory. And it's victory that I believe we can achieve, not for our sake, but for the sake of our country, which needs to have a change of direction." His comments will send a message to colleagues not to assume there will be a vacancy for party leader. They come as Mr Howard calls on voters to punish the Government for letting millions of people down. He says the country is being dragged down by crippling taxes, interfering bureaucrats and a disastrous decline of law and order.

He makes the comments in the introduction to his party's general election manifesto. The opening remarks are published today - several weeks ahead of schedule - and highlight the Tories' determination to maximise the time available before the next election.

The Tories will release their manifesto in chapters rather than in one block. Today Mr Howard promised under a Conservative government everyone would have the opportunity to "live the British dream".

He said: "Forgotten, neglected, and taken for granted by this Government. Is that how you feel at the start of 2005? If it is, then I am addressing you today."

In his keynote speech, he claimed millions of people who worked hard, saved to buy their own homes and provide for their families and retirement were being neglected.