Cameron leadership attracts thousands of new Party members

More than 16,000 new members have joined the Conservative Party since David Cameron took over as Leader on December 6 last year.

Support among young people has also surged, visits to the Party website have rocketed, and voters have also been switching to the Conservatives in local government by-elections held over the past month. Mr Cameron has hailed the upsurge in support and interest as a positive response to the Party's new message of "change, optimism and hope".

He said: "Above all we are showing how the consistent application of our values - trusting people and sharing responsibility - can inspire a new generation to get involved in politics and to help build a modern, compassionate Conservative Party."