PowerSwitch

Departing Tory leader Michael Howard said he believes only an economic slump can return the Conservatives to power.

Mr Howard said the state of the economy was central to overthrowing Labour at the next general election.

"I don't want the economy to go down the pan - I care about the country and I don't want anybody to go through any economic difficulties.

"But in terms of party politics, you have to face the fact that it is difficult - maybe not impossible, but difficult - for an opposition to win an election when most people feel relatively content."