Second thoughts from Howard over 'thinking' slogan

The Tories dropped their flagship election slogan today, triggering new questions over the state of their campaign. For the first time, the message "Are you thinking what we're thinking?" did not appear on the stage at campaign headquarters today. Instead, lecterns had been repainted with the message: "Taking a stand on the issues that matter."

The change follows what was widely seen as the Tories' worst week of the campaign last week and suggests the party is entering a new phase. It immediately prompted accusations that the party is losing faith in its ability to win.

Tories say they changed the message precisely because the original slogan had been so effective. Leader Michael Howard said: "We are taking a stand because we think that people are thinking what we are thinking. Given that, we are inviting them to take a stand."

He said: "I have been up and down the country. I know we are getting a very positive response. I remain very confident about the outcome."

However, a Labour insider said: "Their campaign is falling apart and they are now focusing on trying to get people to make a protest vote."

The Conservatives still plan to use the "Are you thinking" slogan on billboards and on Mr Howard's battle bus.