TORY leader Michael Howard breezed into Hampshire to make a keynote speech about his party's European policy to about 250 of the party faithful at Hedge End's Botleigh Grange Hotel.
Cheered and applauded as he arrived on the party's battle bus, Mr Howard gave a 20-minute talk to the 300-strong audience in the full glare of the media.
Supported by party chairman Liam Fox, and leader of the Conservatives in the European parliament, Jonathan Evans, Mr Howard was also flanked by South East Euro candidates - including Hampshire MEP Roy Perry - and prospective Westminster parliamentary candidates, including Eastleigh's Conor Burns, as he launched the final phase of the Tories' campaign for the June 10 Euro elections.
His speech came amid claims that many supporters were ready to switch to the United Kingdom Independence Party.
Mr Howard told journalists he was not worried about UKIP, who seemed to be
taking votes from all parties, not just the Conservatives.
He added: "We have a clear position. We want Britain to remain in the European Union but we want to bring power back here from Brussels."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article