Tory leader's message of hope

Iain and Betsy Duncan Smith arrive for leadership result

In his New Year message to Conservative Party members, rebel-turned-leader Iain Duncan Smith says the party is more united and disciplined than for many years.

He said this would help it face the "momentous task that lies ahead".

It instilled a determination throughout the Conservative Party never to go through such an experience again

Iain Duncan Smith on the election defeat

The New Year message was released by the party at a time when Mr Duncan Smith has been ordered to rest his voice by doctors.

Despite the efforts of his predecessor the General Election defeat had been "a terrible blow to all those who worked so hard, only to see Labour return to power with a new mandate".

But, he said: "I believe that, more than ever, it instilled a determination throughout the Conservative Party never to go through such an experience again."

Domestic problems

Having been given the support of party members, he said his task was to rebuild the party's fortunes so that in four years' time it was seen "not only as an effective opposition to Labour, but also as the alternative government to Labour".

"Winning the next General Election is the objective that must unite the entire party. Our task is a huge challenge and should not be underestimated," says Mr Duncan Smith.

The reality is that Labour will never deliver real improvements to the public services

Iain Duncan Smith

Following the attacks on the US on 11 September there had rightly been concerted action against terrorism "Yet the war against terrorism must not deflect us from domestic politics, and especially finding solutions to the most pressing problem facing our country - improving our public services.

"Every year, the Labour Government promises that things will be better, yet every year the Labour Government breaks that promise.

"Under Labour, we have a health service that makes people in Britain fearful of falling sick. Our schools are depriving millions of children of the opportunities that a first-class education offers.

"Britain's transport system makes travelling even the shortest distances in or between our cities an ordeal."

'We can succeed'

He added: "The reality is that Labour will never deliver real improvements to the public services.

"To them, the defence of dogma and vested interests is always more important than the needs of the public.

The Conservative Party enters 2002 more united and disciplined than for many years, concentrating on the issues that shape people's lives at home and abroad

Iain Duncan Smith

"By contrast, Conservatives must be champions of first-class public services. It must be our party that brings forward the practical solutions that offer greater diversity and choice and, above all, drive up standards.

"We will continue to stand up for our country against a Labour Government that wants to push us further and further into a European superstate.

"The Conservative Party enters 2002 more united and disciplined than for many years, concentrating on the issues that shape people's lives at home and abroad.

"We know the momentous task that lies ahead, beginning with the local government elections in May. With your continued hard work we can succeed."