Cameron speech outlines election policies

David Cameron detailed his plans for Government in his speech to the Conservative party conference in Blackpool.

The Tory leader did not use a script or autocue, choosing to adopt a conversational style and he did not refer to the notes he carried on stage.

He reiterated his aim to reduce targets for public services, give more responsibility to the public and strengthen the family unit in an effort to reduce anti.

He said: "We've got to start tearing up the rule books and allowing people common sense, initiative and responsibility in the jobs they do."

Mr Cameron said a Conservative government would abolish regional assemblies and give power back to councils and he said they will continue to seek a referendum and a 'no' vote on the EU Reform Treaty.

He promised to give headteachers greater powers to tackle disruption and improve discipline in schools.

He added: "We will give headteachers complete command of their schools.

"If they want to have enforceable home-school contracts... that's fine. And, no ifs no buts, if a headteacher wants to exclude a pupil because their behaviour is wrecking the education of others, they should be able to do so. The appeals panels have got to go."

Mr Cameron said the party had made the changes he had thought were needed when he became leader.

He revealed almost a third of its candidates for the next general election are women and said the party had campaigned more than ever on the global and local environment and on the National Health Service "to save our services and praise the people who work in the NHS".

He told delegates: "I did not do that, you did that and you should be proud of what you have done."

Mr Cameron accused Gordon Brown of "cynicism" in repeatedly announcing the same policies.

He said: "There were the GP surgeries' family friendly opening hours, we've heard that three times before. Eco towns - we've heard that four times, competitive sports in schools - six times.

"There was no indication how any of these things are going to be done. It is not just the cynicism of it, he told us things he knows he can't do."

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