DAVID CAMERON said yesterday that his party was ready for a swift election campaign if necessary.

Conservative strategists believe that Gordon Brown will call an election shortly after becoming Labour leader to secure his own mandate. They think the pressure on Mr Blair to step down could lead to a decision as early as next spring.

“We are ready to go at any time. If Tony Blair goes early and Gordon Brown cuts and runs we will be ready,” Mr Cameron said. George Osborne, the Shadow Chancellor, said contingency plans were in place. “We would draw together the work our policy groups have done together with ideas from the Shadow Cabinet into our manifesto,” he said.

One of Mr Cameron’s most controversial reforms comes into effect today when the party informs applicants if they have won a place on a new priority list of candidates for the best seats. Fifty safe and winnable seats will begin selecting from the list of more than 100 candidates, more than half women and more than 10 per cent from ethnic minorities, this month.

Times Recommends

• Donor organ allowed child’s own heart to heal
• Michael Jackson: Not the final chapter
• Brüno toned down for 15 rating