We can’t go on like this. The country needs a change of leadership, and a change of direction. It needs a Government that is united, and has a clear view of what needs to be done. Our top priority is to get the public finances back into balance, and we want to do this by cutting public expenditure rather than by increasing taxes. However, we will protect the NHS from reductions and continue to invest and improve it.

We want to improve the quality of all our public services by making them more responsive to those who use them, by cutting the overheads and reinforcing the front line. Our police, teachers, doctors and nurses need to be rescued from bureaucracy and central control and given the freedom to use their skills