Smash hit

The Tory leader also promised fixed limits on immigration, which is shaping up to be a key electoral issue, and said that He repeated pledges to reform the tax system to reward marriage and put the police under the control of local mayors or commissioners.

Mr Cameron also pressed his case for a referendum on the EU reform treaty, saying: "Are we really saying to people, when it comes to how your country is governed you can’t have a say? That is wrong."

He went on to attack Labour’s new citizens’ juries, dismissing the idea that they informed decisions and describing them as "glorified focus groups". "Government asks your opinions and does what they want to do anyway," he said.

Mr Cameron cited a Government scheme asking voters to sum up Britishness in six words, saying he had six words himself for Mr Brown: "Stop wasting money on pointless gimmicks."

Expert View

I think Cameron and the Conservatives have had a good week - and Labour has helped them by the way that they played the election speculation

Philip Webster, Political Editor

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The Tory leader said Conservatives would abolish regional assemblies and give power back to councils "where it belongs".

After the controversy over Mr Brown's decision to use a trip to Iraq yesterday to announce a reduction in troop numbers, Mr Cameron was particularly vehement in attacking Labour's treatment of the Armed Forces.

"The old politics is failing and change is required," he added. "That's what we've got to be about today.

"There has been a lot of talk about lurching. I can tell you we're not going to be lurching to the Left, not going to lurch to the Right - we're just going to providing the good solid leadership that this country needs.

"We need change for the long term, hope for our country and optimism for the next generation. That's what this week is about."

Mr Cameron also criticised the Prime Minister for constantly re-announcing policy initiatives or announcing policies that were simply unworkable – for example Mr Brown's recent declaration that British jobs would go to British people.

"I have to say to our Prime Minister, if you treat people like fools you don't deserve to run the country, let alone win an election," Mr Cameron said.

In a surprisingly personal digression, he also took time out to address voter concern about his own background, including his education at Eton.

"I am the son of a magistrate and a stockbroker, but the great privilege of my upbringing was not the wealth but the warmth," he said. "And yes, I went to a fantastic school but I'm not embarrassed about that because I had a great education and I know what a great education means."

After finishing his speech, Mr Cameron turned to members of his shadow cabinet, seated on the stage, and asked "Was that all right?" His voice still picked up on the microphone, he could be heard asking the same question of his wife, Samantha, as she joined him, before adding: "I love you babe."

Finally, he said: "Aah.. I'm knackered."

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