The Conservatives must modernise their image to appeal to working class voters in big cities such as Birmingham and Newcastle, the party’s new chairman says today.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Patrick McLoughlin argues that it is not accurate to describe the Conservatives as "the nasty party", even though some people will always hold this view of the Tories.

He concedes that the Conservatives have not always seemed “interested” in helping working families that are struggling to get by, and says he wants MPs to praise teachers, nurses and other public sector workers more often.

His comments will be seen as clear evidence that Theresa May’s Conservatives are seeking to occupy the political centre ground and woo Labour voters.

Mr McLoughlin says he wants to win more seats in Britain’s large cities by offering opportunities to help people from all backgrounds.