Cameron urges voters to stay with Conservatives in New Year message

Ed Miliband has promised an economic recovery that reaches people's "kitchen table" if he becomes Prime Minister in May.

The Labour leader said in his New Year message, "This is the season for new beginnings and hopes for the future.".

"We have it within our grasp not just to see out the old year but to see out the old ways of running the country," he continued. "Can we do it? Of course we can."

But Tony Blair has cast doubt on whether Labour can win the election fighting on Miliband's "traditional left-wing" platform.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has set the stage for a bitter General Election battle next year, warning that "a lot of mud will be thrown" in the run-up to polling day.

The Liberal Democrat leader urged voters in his New Year message to give his party the chance of a second term in Government, rejecting the politics of "grievance, fear and blame" offered by their rivals.

Clegg said 2015 should be a "year for optimism" but that the two main parties presented the electorate with a "pretty grim choice".

"This year, a lot of mud will be thrown. A lot of over the top claims will be made, a lot of accusations will be hurled around the place. Ignore them," he added.