Conservatives launched their general election campaign in Hampshire with a tour by shadow cabinet minister Theresa May.

She hit the campaign trail in Winchester, then headed to Eastleigh, Romsey and Southampton.

Joined by Tory candidate for Winchester, Steve Brine, the shadow secretary of state for work, pensions, women and equality went on a brief walking tour of the city centre.

She said: “Winchester is a very important seat, because it's one of those that can make the difference and where people can get rid of Gordon Brown.”

Winchester was the first place that Ms May decided to visit after the general election was called by prime minister Gordon Brown.

Mr Brine said: “Losing here in 1997, and then in the by-election later that year, was a nail in the coffin of the Tory government.

“It's been Lib Dem here so long as we've had a Labour government, and if it stays Lib Dem, then we might still have a Labour government.”

He said he aimed to prevent that by “criss-crossing” the district in the coming weeks and meeting as many people as possible.

Mr Brine added that it would be a close contest in Winchester, agreeing with the prediction made by outgoing Lib Dem MP, Mark Oaten, last month.

In Eastleigh Ms May unveiled a new poster of Conservative candidate Maria Hutchings, joined Caroline Nokes campaigning in Eastleigh then headed to Southampton to give candidates Jeremy Moulton and Royston Smith a boost.

She said: "I'm pleased to be here to support our two excellent candidates in Southampton.

“This election is about the future for our economy, our society and our country. People have a choice between five more years of Gordon Brown's failed government and change with the Conservatives who have the energy, leadership and values to get the country moving again."