Cameron predicts election date at meeting

Conservative Leader David Cameron believes the next General Election will be held on Thursday, March 25 next year.

He revealed his conviction for the first time last night to a Black Country audience at the latest of his Cameron Direct series of public meetings.

Mr Cameron said he did not believe Gordon Brown would choose a date in May or June because that would be "too obvious".

"If he wants the element of surprise, he will go for March 25," the Tory leader told the 200-strong audience at Windsor High School, Halesowen. This is the first time Mr Cameron has spoken so firmly of his belief that it is the day already chosen by Gordon Brown.

The gathering, the 53rd Cameron Direct, exposed the Tory leader to some hard questioning on everything from underused railways in the Black Country to British Army bases in Germany.

Although people had to apply for places in advance, the event did not appear to be stuffed with Tory supporters. Mr Cameron said his aim was to get away from TV and the Press and exchange views with "real people".

One questioner who criticised Tory plans to scrap inheritance tax provoked a defiant defence from the leader. Mr Cameron said: "I believe inheritance tax should be paid only by millionaires."

His reply drew some of the loudest applause of the evening.

But it was a little girl in a pixie hairband who got the biggest cheer of the evening.