Labour's Ed Miliband: Black Country has nothing to fear joining forces with Birmingham

The Labour leader also revealed he was confident of winning back seats in Staffordshire and the Black Country that Labour lost to the Tories at the General Election

Speaking to the Express & Star following a major speech on the economy at Jaguar Land Rover, the Labour leader said he was 'optimistic' about the party's chances on May 7.

However a new opinion poll published within minutes of the party's event ending showed the Tories have now surged ahead to take a four point lead over Labour.

Last week a list of candidates published briefly on the Conservative party website suggested that Cannock Chase was a 'non-target' seat for the Tories, despite having won a large swing from Labour in 2010. The Tories say they are committed to holding all their seats and winning more.

Mr Miliband said: "I'm really optimistic and confident about our campaign. People are starting to see the choice. The Tories are a party of hedge funds who turn a blind eye to tax avoidance. We're a party that says wealth doesn't just come from a few at the top. It comes from everyday working people. Everyone is a wealth creator."

He also vowed to plough on with devolution of powers for the West Midlands, despite the threat of having to form a coalition or do a deal with another party if he fails to secure a majority.

The most likely party to prop up a minority Miliband administration would be the SNP, which looks set to take dozens of seats from Labour in Scotland.

Mr Miliband refused to comment on the prospect of a coalition and said: "We're going for and all out majority and we are going to deliver devolution. England is far too centralised a country and people recognise that. Business people recognise it. Locally elected officials recognise it and it's essential we deliver it."

Asked if the Black Country will stand alone, as opposed to being swallowed up by Birmingham, Mr Miliband said: "I'm sure it will.

"We've said this is a decision for local people and local councils. They have decided it's better to be in a Black Country and Birmingham city region. I think that's the right decision. It will mean fairer decisions are made across the city region rather than a Birmingham city region against the rest. A combination of great council leaders, a combination of great local MPs making the case for the Black Country, I'm sure this can be done in a way that benefits both Birmingham and the Black Country."

The Labour leaders of Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell Councils have agreed to team up with Labour-run Birmingham City Council to create a combined authority to take the lead on skills, transport and regeneration – areas that transcend local authority borders.

Speaking at JLR on the border between South Staffordshire and Wolverhampton, Mr Miliband said a Labour government would guarantee an apprenticeship place to any school-leaver who gets the required grades.

He warned that the Conservative 'long-term economic plan' is working for a 'handful' of people at the top, while his rival vision would champion the needs of working families.

He also vowed to cut and freeze business rates - a move he said would help smaller businesses - as an alternative to Conservative plans to cut corporation tax.

Mr Miliband was joined by shadow chancellor Ed Balls and other senior Labour figures - shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint and shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna, for the launch of the party's 79-page Better Plan for Britain's Prosperity.

The plan includes boosting training and apprenticeships, promoting competition in energy and banking to lower bills, and devolving power to regions.