DAVID CAMERON has warned his party that an incoming Conservative government would face tough economic conditions and would have to take unpopular decisions to get Britain's public finances back on track.

Describing himself as "a man with a plan, not a miracle cure", he acknowledged a change of government would not produce an overnight transformation in Britain's fortunes.

But he was determined to rebuild the economy for the long-term by reining in state borrowing and ending the Labour Government's "spendaholic" culture.

Mr Cameron's comments, in his keynote speech at the conclusion of the Conservative conference in Birmingham yesterday will be taken as confirmation that he does not expect to be able to offer tax cuts in the wake of the election, and may have to raise taxes.

And they will spark speculation that he may drop his commitment to match Labour spending pledges on the public services.

"If we win, we will inherit a huge deficit and an economy in a mess," he said. "We will need to do difficult and unpopular things for the long-term good of the country. I know that. I'm ready for that."

He added: "Rebuilding our battered economy. Renewing our bureaucratised NHS. Repairing our broken society.

"That is our plan for change.

"But in these difficult times we promise no new dawns, no overnight transformations.

"I'm a man with a plan, not a miracle cure."

Mr Cameron insisted he was "optimistic" that Britain will come through to "better times ahead".