The Communities Secretary told the Conservative faithful that former prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and Benjamin Disraeli had improved people's lives. He said: "The Left want to keep people in their place so that minorities can be patronised, the country can be polarised and ambition is paralysed.

       "We want everyone to have the chance to choose their own future, to own their own home, to walk the streets in safety."

       Mr Gove added: "We want to strengthen local leadership to drive real change.

       "We will raise living standards, especially where they are lower.

       "We will improve public services, especially where they are weaker.

       "And we will give people the resources necessary to enhance the pride they feel in the place they live."