David Cameron launched the Conservative manifesto for the May 6 General Election, saying it offered an "ambitious and optimistic" plan for economic recovery and growth, a strong society and radical political reform.

Printed as a hardback pamphlet with a sober plain blue cover, the manifesto is presented as an invitation to voters to "join the government of Britain".

In a foreword, Mr Cameron said Britain's economic, social and political challenges can only be overcome if the people of Britain "pull together and work together" and remember that "we are all in this together".

The manifesto sets out a range of policies which Tories say will devolve power from politicians to people and from central government to local communities.

It confirms Mr Cameron's pledge to reverse Labour's planned National Insurance hike. And it rejects Labour and Liberal Democrat claims that the £6 billion move is unaffordable, insisting that all the Tory policies are "fully costed and fully funded".

But the manifesto does not match Labour's pledge not to raise the basic, higher or top rates of income tax over the course of the next Parliament. And there is no mention of VAT, which Labour and the Lib Dems claim will have to be increased to 20% or more to pay for Tory tax cut and spending pledges.

Key commitments in the Conservative programme will include: :: Enabling public sector workers to take ownership of the services they deliver through the formation of co-operatives and power for constituents to sack their MP if they are found to have committed serious wrongdoing.

:: Allowing people any "good" education provider to establish a new academy school and power for residents to veto high council tax increases and instigate referendums on any local issue if they can gain support of 5% of the population; :: The creation of directly-elected police chiefs who will set budgets and strategy for forces.

Download the Conservative manifesto HERE.